Print or PDF Discussions

[Vincenza]

There is much about the Discussions redesign that works really well - I think it's easier for students to make discussion posts and reply. However, for grading purposes, there is no option but to actively view and scroll through the Canvas pages. Previously, I was able to print to PDF that would include the post and all comments. Now, I can only print or PDF what is actively being viewed on my screen, meaning: if there's any content below where my screen cuts off, I can't capture it for a PDF. This combined with threaded replies appearing in a pop up side menu means it is pretty much impossible to carry out this assignment as I have been for a few semesters now. 

I would love it if Canvas could add a print option to Discussion posts (including all comments), so we can have an off-screen option for reading posts and comments and grading them.

[Jeff_F · Accepted solution]

@Vincenza try this approach:

1. use Chrome
2. install this extension: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/printfriendly-print-and-p/ohlencieiipommannpdfcmfdpjjmeolj
3. go to inline view > expand threads
4. activate the extension and print to pdf

[Code-with-Ski]

@Vincenza 

I have built a free Chrome extension, Canvas LMS Mods (Basic), as a side project to add helpful features to the Canvas LMS.  One of the features is a custom course report for discussion replies.  This allows you to get all the replies to a discussion board and provides a count for the number of times a user has replied.  You can view the report in the browser and if you would like you can download the result as a CSV file to do further data manipulation.

If you are interested you can learn more about it below:

• Creating a Chrome Extension to Use with Canvas LMS 
• Custom Course Reports 

[Prof_W]

It's great that users build apps for a particular browser, but no program should need an extra app, or use of a particular browser, for the basic function of Print-All for a core tool, particularly what is a core part of student work in many courses.