Upcoming Canvas Changes
2024-12-08
- Updating the mediaType for launches from New Quizzes items
2025-02-16
- Assignment Custom Parameter Data with Leading Zeros Stripped During Course Copy
For more information, please see Upcoming Canvas Changes.
In this Canvas release (18 January), AI-supported translations are available in Discussions, Announcements, and Inbox messages when the respective feature options are enabled. The Discussion Checkpoints feature allows instructors to set multiple due dates for graded discussions, supporting different stages like initial posts and follow-up replies. In New Quizzes, a Student Analysis Report can be exported as a CSV, and instructors can migrate Classic Quiz question banks to New Quiz item banks using an updated checkbox on the Course Copy and Import Course Content pages. SpeedGrader has been enhanced for faster load times and improved stability, and the Submission Sticker feature option is now available for Assignment Enhancements. On the Account Level Grading page, admins can set an account or sub-account default grading scheme.
All Resources | Features in this release may be included in product blogs and other content areas. For all related links, view the 2025-01-18 Community tag.
- Institutions are responsible for conducting thorough evaluations of their custom CSS/JS with each release and deploy to assess potential impacts.
- Subscribe to the Canvas release notes to be notified of updates.
- For general questions related to this release, see the Canvas Release Notes FAQ
- For Canvas Platform Service changes (API, GraphQL, Canvas Data), please see the appropriate page in the Change Log
- Looking to discuss the features in the Release Notes? Post a reply in the Features Q&A: Canvas Release Notes (2025-01-18)
Table of Contents
- Upcoming Canvas Changes
- 2024-12-08
- 2025-02-16
- New Features
- Grading
- Account Level Default Grading Scheme
- Feature Options
- Discussions
- AI Translation [Delayed as of 2024-12-17]
- Multiple Due Dates for Discussions
- Inbox
- AI Translation [Delayed as of 2024-12-17]
- New Quizzes
- Student Analysis Report Available
- Question Bank Migration on Course Copy
- SpeedGrader
- Improved SpeedGrader Experience [Delayed as of 2024-12-05]
- User Interface
- Full Screen Access
- Feature Previews
- Apps
- Canvas Apps Page
- Other Updates
- Analytics
- New Analytics migration to Data Access Platform (DAP)
- Change Log updates
- Assignment Enhancements
- Enhanced Rubrics
New Features
Grading
Account Level Default Grading Scheme
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-09-16 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
|
Location to Enable Feature |
None |
|
Name of LTI Tool |
None |
|
Permissions |
Account Level Settings-Manage |
|
Related APIs |
None |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Account and Sub-Account Level Grading |
|
Related Ideas |
[Account Settings] Default grading scheme [Account Settings] Default Grading Schemes at the Account Level |
Summary
On the Account Level Grading page, admins can set an account or sub-account default grading scheme.
Note: Course-level default grading schemes can only be set after the Enable Course Grading Scheme option is enabled in the Course Settings of a course. Once enabled, instructors can select the grading scheme they want to use as the course default, which will override any account-level default grading schemes. If the Enable Course Grading Scheme course setting is not enabled, the course will inherit the account-level default grading scheme.
Change Benefit
This feature simplifies grading scheme setup by allowing institutions to set a default grading scheme at the account or sub-account level, ensuring consistency across all courses.
Feature Workflow
Account Default Grading Scheme Drop-Down Menu
On the Account or Sub-Account level grading page, Click the Account default grading scheme drop-down menu [1]. Then, select the desired grading scheme [2].
Account Level Grading Scheme Apply Button
Once a grading scheme is selected, click the Apply button.
Account Level Grading Scheme Locations Used Link
Once applied, the default grading scheme displays in the Account default grading scheme drop-down menu [1]. To view all courses the grading scheme is located, click the Show locations used link [2].
Feature Video
Feature Options
Feature options allow institutions to enable newly developed Canvas functionality according to their preferred time frame. Unless otherwise noted, all feature options are opt-in and do not require any action by a Canvas admin until a feature's enforcement date is announced. For a complete list of feature options, please see Canvas LMS Feature Options.
A feature preview label indicates a feature option in active development, which is being built directly through user feedback. Feature previews deploy updates outside the regular Canvas release schedule and are posted in the Related Releases section in Canvas Releases & Deploys.
Please reference the table below each feature heading for specific feature information. For general information about feature options, please see the Canvas Release Notes FAQ.
Discussions
AI Translation [Delayed as of 2024-12-17]
|
Feature Option Name to Enable |
Course AI Translation |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Locked) Course (Disabled) |
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-10-21 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Announcements, Discussions |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
|
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
When the Course AI Translation feature option is enabled, instructors and students can use AI-supported translations to translate text with Discussions and Announcements.
Change Benefit
This feature provides users the option to translate text into different languages and promotes inclusivity by allowing people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate and access information easily. It also enhances collaboration and understanding in multilingual environments, making content accessible to a wider audience.
Feature Workflow
Discussion Translate Text Link
To translate text in a discussion, click the Options button [1], then click the Translate Text Link [2].
Translation Language Options Drop-Down Menu
Users can select from 100 available language options using the Language drop-down menu.
Discussion Translation View
Once a language is selected, the discussion topic and replies display in the original language and the translated language.
Multiple Language Selected View
Users can also select multiple languages by selecting additional language options.
Note: To remove translations, refresh the page.
Feature Video
Embed Code:
<iframe width="560px" height="320px" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay *" title="Release Screencast: Discussions/Inbox AI Translations" src="https://community.instructuremedia.com/embed/a9947ff8-89d5-4f9d-9410-3a1dc204cf3b" frameborder="0"></iframe>Multiple Due Dates for Discussions
|
Feature Option Name to Enable |
Discussion Checkpoints |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled) |
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-10-21 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
No |
|
Permissions |
Discussions-create Discussions-moderate |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Discussions, Grades, SpeedGrader |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not Available |
|
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
|
Related Ideas |
[Discussions] Multiple Due Dates (checkpoints) for Discussions |
|
FAQ |
Summary
When the Discussion Checkpoints feature option is enabled, instructors can set multiple due dates or checkpoints for graded discussions to accommodate different stages of the discussion process, such as the initial post and follow-up replies. Additionally, checkpoint discussions are supported in all migration related workflows which include the following:
- Course Copy
- Copy To
- Course Send To
- Blueprint Course
- Importing/exporting course.
Change Benefit
This feature allows for more structured participation, ensuring students meet deadlines for each required step in the discussion.
Feature Workflow
Discussion Assign Graded Checkpoint Checkbox
To create Discussion Checkpoints, instructors must select the Graded checkbox [1] and then the Assign graded checkpoints checkbox [2] when creating or editing a discussion.
Notes: Graded Checkpoints can be added to existing graded Discussions. Additionally, the Assign graded checkpoints checkbox is disabled by default.
Discussion Checkpoint Settings
Instructors must include the possible points for the initial reply to topic [1], the number of additional replies required [2] and the possible points for additional replies [3]. All points are calculated automatically and listed as the Total Points Possible [4].
Discussion Checkpoint View in Modules
When a discussion is added to a module, students can view all due dates and the number of replies required for a discussion.
Student View Due Date Link
As a student, click the View Due Dates link to view all due dates on the Discussion page,
Discussion Checkpoints Due Date Tray
A Due Dates tray displays with all due dates for the initial response and additional replies.
Discussion Checkpoint Due Dates Tray Completed Status
Once checkpoints are complete, the date and time display in the Due Dates tray.
Instructor Grade Detail Tray Discussion Checkpoint View
In the Gradebook, discussion checkpoints display as a single item. Instructors can update a student’s grades and assignment status using the Grade Detail tray.
SpeedGrader Discussion Checkpoint View
In SpeedGrader, the individual post is highlighted [1], for easy identification. Instructors can navigate between responses using the Previous and Next Reply buttons [2]. Separate fields are provided to enter grades for both the individual response [3] and additional replies [4]. Additionally, instructors have the option to update the status for each reply field [5].
Note: Replies display in chronological order.
Student Grade Page Discussion Checkpoint View
On the Student Grades page, students can use the Expand icon to display grades for each checkpoint.
Feature Video
<iframe width="560px" height="320px" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay *" title="Release Screencast: 2024-11-16 Discussions Multiple Due Dates for Discussions" src="https://community.instructuremedia.com/embed/632b154a-73cd-4db6-b7fe-e1ad00c059fc" frameborder="0"></iframe>Inbox
AI Translation [Delayed as of 2024-12-17]
|
Feature Option Name to Enable |
Enable AI Translation |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Locked) |
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-10-21 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
No |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Area(s) |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
|
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
|
Related Ideas |
Summary
When the Enable AI Translation feature option is enabled, users can use AI supported translations to translate Inbox message content. Additionally, inbox messages that are in a language different from the user’s preferred language, as set in their settings, are automatically translated.
Change Benefit
This feature provides users the option to translate text into different languages and promotes inclusivity by allowing people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate and access information easily. It also enhances collaboration and understanding in multilingual environments, making content accessible to a wider audience.
Feature Workflow
Compose Inbox Message Translation Options
When composing a message, select the Include translated version of this message checkbox [1], then select the translation language [2] and choose between the As Secondary or As Primary radio buttons [3].
Translated Message Receiver View
The user receiving the message can see both the original text and the translated text in the message field.
Auto Translated Message View
When a user receives messages that don't align with their preferred language, as specified in their settings, they are automatically translated.
Feature Video
New Quizzes
Student Analysis Report Available
|
Feature Option Name to Enable |
New Quizzes |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Unlocked) Course (Disabled) |
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-12-16 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
New Quizzes |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
|
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
|
Related Ideas |
[New Quizzes] Add Student Analysis report with option to download |
Summary
In New Quizzes, a Student Analysis Report is available. Instructors can view this report by exporting the CSV file. In the Student Analysis Report, instructors can access a range of student data, including:
- Time Elapsed
- Submission Attempts
- Item Type
- Student Response
- Points Earned
- Number of Correct
- Number of Incorrect
- No Response
- Overall Score
Note: Currently, only the most recent attempt by a student is displayed, with previous attempts hidden. An update in 2025 will address this to include all attempts.
Change Benefit
This feature provides Instructors with clearer insights into students' grasp of course materials and concepts, enabling them to better support students in improving comprehension and test-taking strategies.
Feature Workflow
New Quizzes Student Analysis Report Export CSV Button
To generate a Student Analysis report, click the Generate Report button [1], then click the Export CSV button [2].
Student Analysis Sample CSV Export File
After exporting the CSV file, instructors can view a range of data related to a student's quiz.
Note: To prevent data exposure, SIS Data (such as SISID and Section SISIDs) is not displayed, as permission handling is still in development. This functionality will be addressed in an update early next year.
Feature Video
Note: This video has no audio.
Embed Code:
<iframe width="560px" height="320px" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay *" title="Release Screencast: 2025-01-18 New Quizzes Student Analysis Report" src="https://community.instructuremedia.com/embed/c0736fe8-50c9-42a8-bbfb-35dfe9bc502f" frameborder="0"></iframe>Question Bank Migration on Course Copy
|
Feature Option Name to Enable |
New Quizzes New Quizzes migration during course import/copy |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Unlocked) |
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-12-16 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Copy Course page, Import Course Content page |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
TBD |
|
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
|
Related Ideas |
[New Quizzes] Migrate questions banks from one course to another, without having to create a test. [New Quizzes] Alternative in migration from question bank to item bank |
Summary
Instructors can migrate Classic Quiz question banks to New Quiz item banks by using the Convert content to New Quizzes checkbox, previously labeled Import existing quizzes on the Course Copy and Import Course Content pages. Additionally, the Tooltip text is updated.
Change Benefit
This update allows Instructors to transfer question content from Classic Quizzes to New Quizzes without using quiz migration, greatly improving efficiency and saving valuable time.
Feature Workflow
Copy Course Convert Content to New Quizzes Checkbox
The Import existing quizzes on the Course Copy checkbox is renamed Convert content to New Quizzes.
Convert Quizzes Warning Modal
The Convert content to New Quizzes checkbox Tooltip text is updated.
Additional Details
After the copy or import is complete, all Question Banks converted to Item Banks appear on the Item Banks page of the new course, filtered under This Course.
Feature Video
SpeedGrader
Improved SpeedGrader Experience [Delayed as of 2024-12-05]
|
Feature Option Name to Enable |
Modernized SpeedGrader Platform |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Unlocked) |
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-10-21 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
SpeedGrader |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Available |
|
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
|
Related Ideas |
[Speedgrader] Make SpeedGrader Faster [Speedgrader] Make Speedgrader Speedier w/ assignment downloads |
|
Related Blog |
Exciting Changes Coming to SpeedGrader: Modernization for a Faster Grading Experience |
Summary
SpeedGrader is updated for faster load times and enhanced stability. Additional interface updates include:
- A streamlined interface for the Section drop-down menu
- A clearer and more prominent No Submission alert
- An improved interface for courses without content
- The Submission Status is updated to a drop-down menu
- Rubrics are automatically displayed in the traditional view
- Media attachments and submission comments are moved and the delete icon is changed.
Change Benefit
This feature enhances performance for a faster, smoother experience for users handling larger courses or complex assignments. Upgrading the backend technology improves SpeedGrader's ability to manage high-demand tasks more efficiently and reliably.
Feature Workflow
SpeedGrader Sections Drop-Down Menu
The Sections drop-down menu is redesigned for a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.
SpeedGrader No Submission Alert
The No submission alert is enhanced for better visibility and clarity.
Empty Course Notification
Courses without content display a streamlined interface.
Submission Status Drop-Down Menu
Instructors can edit the submission status using the updated Status drop-down menu.
SpeedGrader Rubric View
Rubrics automatically display in the traditional view.
Note: When the Enhanced Rubric feature option is enabled, instructors can choose additional rubric views.
Feature Video
User Interface
Full Screen Access
|
Feature Option Name to Enable |
Full Width Everywhere |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled) |
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-12-16 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
No |
|
Permissions |
Account-level settings - manage |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Canvas User Interface |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
|
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
|
Related Ideas |
[New User Tutorial] Split New User Tutorial and Browser Full Width |
Summary
Root Account admins can use the Full Width Everywhere feature to fully utilize the available screen width. Previously, this required enabling the New User Tutorial feature.
Change Benefit
This feature simplifies the user experience by allowing admins to enable the Full Width Everywhere feature without needing to activate the New User Tutorial. This provides a more streamlined setup process, giving users greater flexibility and more screen space for a more efficient and comfortable navigation experience.
Feature Workflow
Course View in Full Screen
When the Full Width Everywhere feature is enabled, the user interface expands to utilize the entire screen width.
Feature Video
Feature Previews
A feature preview label indicates a feature option in active development, which is being built directly through user feedback. Feature previews deploy updates outside the regular Canvas release schedule and are posted in the related User Group Change Logs.
Please reference the table below each feature heading for specific feature information. For general information about feature options, please see the Canvas Release Notes FAQ.
Apps
Canvas Apps Page
|
Feature Option Name to Enable |
LTI Apps Page |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Enabled) |
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-12-16 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
To be determined |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
No |
|
Permissions |
Account level settings-manage LTI registrations-manage |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Account Navigation |
|
Feature Preview User Group |
|
|
Release Schedule |
View updates via the change log in the Canvas Apps Change Log |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
|
Feature Option State |
Feature Preview (active development) |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
|
Related Blog |
Summary
The Canvas Apps page is available in the Account Navigation menu.
Change Benefit
This feature streamlines app integration and management for Canvas root admins.
Feature Workflow
Apps Navigation Link and Discover Tab
Click the Apps link to access the Canvas Apps page [1]. Use the Discover tab to explore new tools [2].
App Details Page Configure Button
Click the Configure button to quickly add LTI tools.
Note: The current Developer Keys page remains available, data is synced between both pages.
Install App Permissions Modal
A modal displays, listing the tool's available permissions.
Install App Data Sharing Modal
Admins can select what data the tool can access.
Insta
Install Apps Placement Modal
Also, available placement options display.
Install App Nickname and Description Modal
Admins can enter a nickname and description for the tool.
Install Apps Icon URLs Modal
When available, the Tool icons display.
Install App Review Modal
After reviewing all the options, click the Install App button.
Manage Tab Tool Options
After installation, the tool appears in the Manage tab, allowing admins to manage the app.
Manage Tab Install a New App Button
Additionally, admins can add a new tool on the Manage tab using the Install a New App button.
Install New App Modal
This workflow launches the same workflow for installing a new tool.
Feature Video
<iframe width="560px" height="320px" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay *" title="Release Screencast: 2025-01-18 Apps Canvas Apps Page" src="https://community.instructuremedia.com/embed/2f7f54e4-477c-4106-8050-0c24cdfdc373" frameborder="0"></iframe>Other Updates
Analytics
New Analytics migration to Data Access Platform (DAP)
|
Beta Environment Availability |
November 2024 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
Production availability will be gradually rolled out to users by January 18, 2025. |
|
Location to Enable Feature |
Contact your Customer Support Manager |
|
Name of LTI Tool |
None |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user |
|
Related APIs |
None |
|
Affects User Interface |
No |
|
Affected Area |
Admin Analytics, Course Analytics |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
|
Previous Feature Mention |
Canvas Release Notes (2024-07-20) |
|
Related Blog |
Admin Analytics and New Course Analytics on our Data Access Platform |
Summary
New Analytics (course-level analytics) feature migration completion to the Data Access Platform (DAP) is extended through January 18th.
Change Benefit
This transition offers increased load schedule frequency (every 8 hours instead of the current 24-48 refresh), ensures consistency in metrics with other data products across Canvas, and improves data quality and availability.
Feature Video
Change Log updates
A Feature Preview indicates a feature option in active development. Users who opt in to the feature and join the Community user group can help improve the feature through direct feedback.
The following Feature Previews have updates related to this deploy available in the User Group change log. When this feature option is available for general use, the feature option will be announced in the Canvas Release Notes.
Assignment Enhancements
Submission Sticker Feature Option
For more details related to this release, see the Assignment Enhancements: Release Change Log.
Enhanced Rubrics
Rubric Assessments Imports and Exports Feature Option
For more details related to this release, see the Enhanced Rubrics: Release Change Log.
Change Log
2024-12-18
2024-12-17
2024-12-05
2024-11-20
