Feature Preview Overview: Smart Search
Summary
Leveraging semantic algorithms and AI, Smart Search allows users to search Canvas course content by understanding the context of queries and finding relevant results based on that context. `
Smart Search facilitates faster content discovery for both teachers and students.
Availability
Release Schedule |
View updates via the change log in the Smart Search User Group |
Affected User Roles |
Admin, Instructor, Student |
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
Related Feature Enhancement Ideas |
Please post ideas to the Smart Search User Group |
Mobile App Support |
Not yet available |
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-07-20 |
Production Environment Availability |
2024-07-17 |
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
No |
Enforcement Date |
Will remain a feature option |
Configuration
Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Locked) |
Feature Option State |
Feature Preview (active development) |
Enabled by Canvas Admin |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
Related Feature Options |
Smart Search |
Affected Canvas Areas |
Feature Area |
Advisories |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
APIs |
Smart Search - https://canvas.instructure.com/doc/api/smart_search.html In development |
Account Setup
Feature Option/Account Setting
At the Account-level, admins must unlock or enable the Smart Search feature option to make it available in courses. Enabling the feature will make search immediately available in all courses. Unlocking the feature will allow authorized users to enable Smart Search within sub-accounts or individual courses.
Course Setup
Course Settings
Once the Smart Search feature option is enabled, instructors can add the Search link to course navigation [1], then click the Save button [2].
Feature Workflow
To access Smart Search in a course, click the Search link.
For more information related to the Smart Search feature, click the How it Works button.
A tray displays allowing users to learn more about the feature and how to use it.
In the Smart Search field [1], enter keywords or phrases to return relevant results, then click the search icon [2], or use the enter/return key on a keyboard. Additionally, users can click the like or dislike icons [3] to provide feedback on the search results of specific items.
After clicking the Like or Dislike icons, users are asked to provide feedback for improvement.