Digital Learning Blog

Canvas Updates Summer 2023

July 25, 2023  / Digital Learning  / Tags: Canvas, Canvas Releases, Canvas Updates

As we bid farewell to the scorching hot summer days in Florida, it's time to gear up for an exciting new Fall semester. We hope you had a rejuvenating break, filled with memorable moments and cherished experiences. Now, as we embark on this journey together, we have some fantastic news to share.

Over the summer, Instructure has been hard at work enhancing your teaching experience on our Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). We are delighted to introduce a range of updated features and improvements designed to empower you in delivering an exceptional educational experience.

Feature Updates 

1. 1. SpeedGrader: Additional Quick Links

Summary
SpeedGrader quick links are added to Options menus for Assignments, Graded Discussions, Modules, Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes.

1. 2. Modules: Bulk Publish and Unpublish Module Items

Summary
In Modules, instructors can bulk publish all modules or individual modules. Instructors have the option to publish all modules and items, publish all modules only, or unpublish all modules and items. Additionally, the publish icon on individual modules is updated to include a Module status menu. This menu includes the options to publish module and all items, publish module only or unpublish module and all items for individual modules.

1. 3. Inbox: Improved Inbox Functionality

Summary
In the Inbox, coding has been updated to improve functionality and user experience.

1. 4. Settings: Grading Scheme Redesign

Summary
In Account Settings, Grading Periods and Schemes display in an updated tab view for admins. Additionally, Grading Schemes is updated to Schemes. In Course Settings, instructors can view and edit individual grading schemes in a modal. When a Default Canvas Grading Scheme is available, instructors can make a copy and edit a new grading scheme. Selecting the Manage All Grading Schemes link also displays a modal. Additionally, when editing assignments, the grading scheme drop-down menu displays and instructors can view/edit individual grading schemes when the Display Grade as Letter grade or GPA Scale is selected. Also, the Manage All Grading Scheme link text is updated.

Interface Updates 

1. 5. Gradebook: View Gradebook Menu Location and Name Update

Summary
When instructors switch between Gradebooks, the View Gradebook Menu displays to the left of the page. Additionally, the main Gradebook is renamed Traditional Gradebook.

1. 6. Assignments: External Tools Add Rubric Button

Summary
After creating an assignment using an external tool, the Add Rubric button is available. (Such as Turnitin Assignments)

1. 7. Rich Content Editor: Percentage Removed from Studio Media Options

Summary
When resizing an embedded Canvas Studio media video, the option to use a percentage dimension type is removed.

Other Updates 

1. 8. People: Course Access Report Data Storage Limit

Summary
Course Access Reports storage is limited to up to two years of user access data.

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Canvas New Quizzes

Feature Updates

1. 1. New Quizzes: Rich Content Editor in New Quizzes

Summary
The Rich Content Editor (RCE) is available in New Quizzes.

1. 2. New Quizzes: Rich Content Editor Supports Third-Party Apps

Summary
In New Quizzes, the Rich Content Editor supports adding content using third-party apps.

1. 3. New Quizzes: Zero-Point New Quiz in Gradebook Checkbox

Summary
Instructors can choose to not display a column in the gradebook or student page when creating a zero-point practice New Quiz.

We believe these updated features will elevate your teaching capabilities. As you explore these updates, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the resources available, including the Canvas Community and your dedicated support team, ready to assist you every step of the way.

Wishing you a successful and fulfilling Fall semester!

Best regards,

The Digital Learning Team