What is the method for viewing all edits to a discussion post/reply?

[lisa_johnson]

If a student edits their discussion post/reply:

1) are the prior versions/edits accessible by the instructor and other students in the discussion? How?

2) are the prior versions/edits accessible by the instructor when grading in Speedgrader? How?

I would like to allow students the opportunity to edit to make Mechanics/Written Communication-style adjustments for minor spelling, grammar, punctuation, and citation errors. However, I cannot enable the editing feature for replies because I cannot ensure significant revisions will not occur, i.e.,  deter students from significantly revising a prior post disrupting the flow or coherence of the conversation that may have developed during replies to their initial post or removing content in violation of community/university standards. I have searched and cannot determine if Canvas has this feature. 

In some LMSs, after an edit to a discussion reply, an icon appears near the poster's name at the top of the reply that, if clicked, opens a history-view showing all of the versions/edits made. Thus, the discussion posts function as a wiki-like content platform whereby versions/edit histories are retained and visible during grading (important!) and for anyone else during in the actual discussion. This is a desired feature in Canvas and I am hoping I am just overlooking the setting somewhere.

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

[kona · Accepted solution]

 @lisa_johnson , in answer to your questions... the short sweet response is no on both accounts. There is no way to see the initial version of a discussion if a student (or you) edits the post. This is probably the #1 reason why I don't allow students in my class to edit (or delete) their discussion posts. I checked the Sorting Hat: Instructor for a feature idea related to this idea and couldn't find one so my recommendation is to go ahead and create a Feature Idea for this in the https://community.canvaslms.com/community/ideas area of the Community.

[lisa_johnson]

Thanks,  @kona ‌

See the idea post at the following page and feel free to "vote up":

https://community.canvaslms.com/ideas/9220-version-history-or-time-limited-discussion-reply-edits 

[cwright1]

Is there a setting that will not allow the students to edit or delete a post?

[kona]

 @cwright1 , absolutely! This can be done from the Discussion Index page or course settings.  Here's the guide that explains where this setting is so you can un-check it - https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10122-415299890