Canvas Keyword search

[Galactic_Broski]

I had an idea for Canvas that if you're trying to find something specific within a module or a teacher('s) page, there should be a keyword search. so you would have the ability to find what you're looking for quicker. the search bar would search not just on the page you're on but in the lessons and other modules. 

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

Good evening, @Galactic_Broski ...

There isn't anything built-in to Canvas that I am aware of that would let you do this.  However, there is a third-party LTI external app integration that works inside of Canvas called Atomic Search.  It looks like there is a cost to this software, so you'd have to talk with people at your school (such as your school's local Canvas administrator) to see if purchasing was an option.  Here is a link on the EduAppCenter for Atomic Search.

I hope this will help a bit.  Sing out if you have any other questions...thanks!  Take care, stay safe, and be well.

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

Good evening, @Galactic_Broski ...

There isn't anything built-in to Canvas that I am aware of that would let you do this.  However, there is a third-party LTI external app integration that works inside of Canvas called Atomic Search.  It looks like there is a cost to this software, so you'd have to talk with people at your school (such as your school's local Canvas administrator) to see if purchasing was an option.  Here is a link on the EduAppCenter for Atomic Search.

I hope this will help a bit.  Sing out if you have any other questions...thanks!  Take care, stay safe, and be well.

[ZeSteele]

The question was an ask for search functionality. This response says that it doesn't exist. And, apparently, Canvas has been asked for this for at least half a decade, so they really don't care to fix it.

So, this may be a response to the original question, but it is certainly not an answer.

[RaphaelG]

Ridiculous that after all this time Canvas does not have a search feature built into the LMS. In an academic setting, how does that lack of basic 21st century functionality make any sense?

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

I wanted to share a few newer links about the new Smart Search tool:

• Smart Search • FAQ - Instructure Community - 604415 (canvaslms.com)
• Feature Preview Overview: Smart Search - Instructure Community - 609118 (canvaslms.com)
• Smart Search (Feature Preview) - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)

[Chris_Hofer]

@Galactic_Broski, @ZeSteele, and @RaphaelG ...

While this won't be a direct answer to your question, I wanted to point you to an identified "Theme" that is related to this topic:

Add or improve search functionality - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)

I encourage all of you to review and follow this "Theme" so that if/when it opens for voting, you can participate in that process.  You can read more about all of this by visiting: How do Ideas and Themes work in the Instructure Co... - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com).  This document may also be of help: How do I participate with themes? - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com).

I know this isn't an exact answer to your question, but I hope it helps a little.

[pattene]

I don't understand how this can be "solved" when there is no solution. 😞 Canvas should in my opinion, have a global SEARCH feature integrated.

[robert_machol]

I agree.  I use specific equipment or software,  and to search through the content to find a key work would be invaluable.