Canvas Release Notes (2023-08-19)

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Upcoming Canvas Changes
2023-09-16 Enforcement of ResourceLink.id substitution parameter to supply a resource link’s ‘resource_link_uuid’ instead of the ‘resource_id.' For more information, please see Upcoming Canvas Changes.

In this Canvas release (19 August), admins and instructors can view outcome alignments from the Options icon in Outcomes. Also, the Enhanced Gradebook feature option is implemented for all users. When editing a course link, the sidebar is updated with additional editing options. Additionally, the LTI Deep Linking Line Items on Assignment Edit Page feature option default status is updated. And, classic quizzes content, including question banks, migrate to New Quizzes. 

External Tools (LTI)

• For institutions using the LTI 1.3, Open ID Connect (OIDC) Auth endpoint domain is changed and LTI tools can use Canvas as a proxy cookie storage service.

Screencast | View the New Feature Screencasts page for a compilation of all available videos in this release.

All Resources | Features in this release may be included in product blogs and other content areas. For all related links, view the 2023-08-19 Community tag.

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• For general questions related to this release, see the Canvas Release Notes FAQ
• Looking to discuss the features in the Release Notes? Post a reply in the Features Q&A: Canvas Release Notes (2023-08-19)

• New Features
• Account Settings
• Suppress Notifications from Being created and Sent Out [Added 2023-08-23]
• Improved Outcomes Management
• Outcome Alignment View Menu Option
• Updated Features
• Gradebook
• Enhanced Gradebook Filter Feature Enforcement
• Rich Content Editor
• Edit Course Link Sidebar Update
• Feature Options
• Assignments
• LTI Deep Linking Line Items Default Status Update
• New Quizzes
• Bulk Migration
• Platform/Integration
• LTI 1.3
• Authorization Redirect URL Endpoint Update
• Launch Without Cookies

New Features

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Account Settings

Suppress Notifications from Being created and Sent Out  [Added 2023-08-23]

Beta Environment Availability	2023-07-17
Production Environment Availability	2023-08-19
Location to Enable Feature	Account Settings
Name of LTI Tool	None
Permissions	Inherent to user
Related APIs	None
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected User Roles and Areas	Admins, Notifications, Settings
Related Ideas	None
Feature Video	Release Screencast: Not Available

Summary

Root Account admins can suppress notifications from being created and sent out using in Account Settings.

Note: This setting is not available at the Sub-Account level. Additionally, notifications that are currently in the queue to be sent out when the setting is turned on will still be sent out.

Change Benefit

This feature provides admins with greater control over notifications.

Feature Workflow

Account Setting Suppress Notifications from Being created and Sent Out Checkbox

In Account Settings, click the Suppress notifications from being created and set out radio button.

Suppress Notifications from Being created and Sent Out Confirmation Warning

When the Account Settings is selected, a confirmation message displays. To confirm, click the OK button.

Improved Outcomes Management

Outcome Alignment View Menu Option

Beta Environment Availability	2023-07-17
Production Environment Availability	2023-08-19
Location to Enable Feature	None
Name of LTI Tool	None
Permissions	Inherent to User
Related APIs	None
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected User Roles and Areas	Admin, Instructors, Outcomes
Related Ideas	[Outcomes] Improved Outcomes Redesign - can't view all aligned items! [Reports] Outcomes simple alignment
Feature Video	Release Screencast: 2023-08-19 Improved Outcomes Management Outcome Alignment View Menu Option

Summary

In Outcomes, admins and instructors can view outcome alignments from the Options icon.

Change Benefit

This update allows admins and instructors to quickly and easily view outcome alignments.

Feature Workflow

Root Account Outcomes

At the Account Level, click the Options icon [1], then click the Alignments link [2].

Course Level Outcomes

At the Course level, click the Options icon [1], then click Alignments link [2].

Aligned Outcomes Display

All aligned items display in a new page.

Updated Features

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Gradebook

Enhanced Gradebook Filter Feature Enforcement

Beta Environment Enforcement Availability	2023-07-17
Production Environment Enforcement Availability	2023-08-19
Location to Enable Feature	None
Name of LTI Tool	None
Permissions	Inherent to User
Related APIs	None
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected User Roles and Areas	Admin, Instructors, Gradebook
Related Ideas	None
Related Blog	Say Hello to "Enhanced Gradebook Filters" as the New Default Experience in Canvas
Feature Video	Release Screencast: 2023-08-19 Gradebook Enhanced Gradebook Filter Feature Enforcement

Summary

The Enhanced Gradebook feature option is implemented for all institutions. Previously, this functionality was managed by the Enhanced Gradebook Filter feature option. This updates the Gradebook view and allows the creation of custom filter presets for institutions that were not early adopters of the Enhanced Gradebook filter.

Change Benefit

This update provides instructors with a more efficient and intuitive way to organize and sort their gradebooks. 

Feature Workflow

Create and Manage Filter Presets Link

In the Gradebook, to create new presets or edit existing presets, click the Create and Manage Filter Presets option.

Create Filter Preset Sidebar

To create a custom filter, enter the filter types and click the Save Filter Preset button.

Enhanced Gradebook Filters View

Once the filter preset has been saved, to apply the filter, click the Apply Filters button [1] and then the name of the desired filter [2]. To remove a filter preset, click the Clear All Filters link [3].

Note: Gradebook data will remain filtered until the filter is removed. 

Import, Export and, Settings Buttons

The Import and Export options display as buttons. Additionally, View Options are now available in Settings.

Gradebook Settings Advanced Tab

Also, the Advanced tab is available in Settings when the Final Grade Override feature option is enabled.

Additional Details

For more information, see the Enhanced Gradebook Filter instructor guides. Additionally, the Enhanced Gradebook Filters user group will be archived October 18, 2023.

Rich Content Editor

Edit Course Link Sidebar Update

Beta Environment Availability	2023-07-17
Production Environment Availability	2023-08-19
Location to Enable Feature	None
Name of LTI Tool	None
Permissions	Inherent to User
Related APIs	None
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected User Roles and Areas	All Users, Rich Content Editor
Related Ideas	Editing Links in new RCE
Feature Video	Release Screencast: 2023-08-19 Rich Content Editor Edit Course Link Sidebar Update

Summary

When editing a course link, the sidebar is updated to allow users to view the name of the current link and choose a replacement from all available course links.

Change Benefit

This update allows users to quickly and efficiently update course links.

Feature Workflow

Edit Course Link Sidebar

When editing a course link, to update a link, view the name of the current link [1], choose a replacement link [2] and click the Replace button [3].

Additional Details

Previously, users could only update the text and view the link URL.

Feature Options

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Feature options allow institutions to enable newly developed Canvas functionality according to their preferred time frame. Unless otherwise noted, all feature options are opt-in and do not require any action by a Canvas admin until a feature’s enforcement date is announced. For a complete list of feature options, please see Canvas LMS Feature Options.

A feature preview label indicates a feature option in active development, which is being built directly through user feedback. Feature previews deploy updates outside the regular Canvas release schedule and are posted in the Related Releases section in Canvas Releases & Deploys.

Please reference the table below each feature heading for specific feature information. For general information about feature options, please see the Canvas Release Notes FAQ.

Assignments

LTI Deep Linking Line Items Default Status Update

Feature Option Name	LTI Deep Linking Line Items on Assignment Edit Page
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status	Account (Enabled/Unlocked)
Beta Environment Availability	2023-01-18
Production Environment Availability	2023-08-19
Subaccount Configuration	Yes
Permissions	Inherent to user role
Affects User Interface	No
Affected User Roles and Areas	Admin, Instructors
Mobile App Support	Not available
Free-for-Teacher Availability	Not available
Enforcement Date	2023-12-16; see Upcoming Canvas Changes
Feature Option State	Production-ready
Previous Feature Mention	Canvas Deploy Notes (2023-03-01)
Related Blog	Introducing Deep Linking Assignment Edit: Simplifying Content Management in Canvas
Related Screencast	Release Screencast: Not Available

Summary

The default status of the LTI Deep Linking Line Items on Assignment Edit Page feature option is updated to Enabled/Unlocked. This feature option allows LTI 1.3 tools to update existing assignments they are linked to in order to keep data in sync between Canvas and the tool.

Note: Not all third-party tools are updated to automatically support this placement.

Change Benefit

This change allows third party tools to update existing assignments they have been linked to, meaning if changes are made on the tool side, the tool can inform Canvas to reduce manual data entry.

Feature Workflow

LTI Deep Linking Line Items On Assignment Edit Page Feature Option Enabled

 In Account Settings, the LTI Deep Linking Line Items on Assignment Edit Page feature option is enabled by default.

Additional Details

To enable the placement, third-party tools need to have this placement added to the Developer Key. Additionally, applications with Assignment Selection placement available on developer keys already enabled, may be affected.

New Quizzes

Bulk Migration

Feature Option Name	New Quizzes
Additional Feature Options to Enable	New Quizzes Migration During Course Import/Copy New Quizzes Migration Enabled by Default New Quizzes Migration Required
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status	Account (Disabled/Unlocked) Note: In the Beta environment, only the New Quizzes Migration During Course Import/Copy feature option has a default status of enabled/Unlocked.
Beta Environment Availability	2021-12-22
Production Environment Availability	2023-08-19
Subaccount Configuration	Yes
Permissions	Inherent to user role
Related API	Create a content migration
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected User Roles and Areas	Admins, Instructors, New Quizzes
Mobile App Support	Not Available
Free-for-Teacher Availability	Not Available
Feature Option State	Production-ready
Previous Feature Mention	Migrating to New Quizzes Capability Coming to Beta Beta Release Notes: New Quizzes Migration (2021-12-22)
Feature Video	Release Screencast: 2023-08-19 New Quizzes Migration

Summary

Classic quizzes content, including question banks, migrate to New Quizzes. 

Note: Surveys are not supported in the New Quizzes engine and are migrated as standard New Quizzes.

Change Benefit

This change allows instructors to migrate multiple classic quizzes with all their content into the New Quizzes engine.

Feature Workflow

Three New Quiz Migration Feature OptionsMigrating classic quizzes via the Course Import Tool requires the New Quizzes and New Quizzes Migration during Course Import/Copy feature options be enabled. The additional New Quizzes Migration feature options are optional.

• The New Quizzes Migration Enabled by Default [1].
• The New Quizzes Migration Required [2].

Course Settings Copy this Course link

In Course Settings, click the Copy this Course link.

Copy Course Import existing quizzes as New Quizzes checkbox

In the Copy Course page, select the Import existing quizzes as New Quizzes checkbox [1]. Update details for the new course and then click the Create Course button [2].

Current Jobs progress bar

The Current Jobs information appears on the next screen as the Course is being copied.

Classic Quiz Question Banks

When a Classic Quiz is migrated into New Quizzes, all question banks are supported in New Quizzes including course banks, account banks, and inline group questions.

Migrated Item Bank View

All migrated question banks can be viewed by selecting the Item Banks button within the quiz, or the Item Banks link in the Course Navigation Menu. Opening the item bank displays all the imported questions.

Additional Details

If a quiz is migrated multiple times, Canvas uses smart merging to decipher the question bank content that should be retained. This process helps ensure all content is retained, such as in cases where multiple users may be making edits to a quiz at the same time. Additionally, When a Text No Question is migrated and it becomes a Stimulus question, an instructor must add a question in order for it to display within a quiz. 

For more information, see the Upcoming Quiz Transition Feature Flags (updated September 2022) resource document.

Platform/Integration

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LTI 1.3

Authorization Redirect URL Endpoint Update

Beta Environment Availability	2023-07-17
Production Environment Availability	2023-08-19
Location to Enable Feature	None
Name of LTI Tool	LTI 1.3
Permissions	Inherent to User
Related APIs	None
Affects User Interface	No
Affected User Roles and Area	LTI Developers, Canvas URL’s
Related Ideas	None
Related Blog	Minor LTI 1.3 Changes: New OIDC Auth Endpoint, Support for Platform Storage
Feature Video	Release Screencast: Not Available

Summary

The LTI 1.3 Open ID Connect (OIDC) Auth endpoint domain is changed from canvas.instructure.com to sso.canvaslms.com.

Note: This change is specific to LTI 1.3 tool developers. Canvas Admins and LTI users do not need to make any changes.

Change Benefit

This update standardizes auth-related domains and improves existing security.

Launch Without Cookies

Beta Environment Availability	2023-07-17
Production Environment Availability	2023-08-19
Location to Enable Feature	None
Name of LTI Tool	LTI 1.3
Permissions	Inherent to User
Related APIs	Using window.postMessage in LTI tools
Affects User Interface	No
Affected User Roles and Areas	Admin, Tool Developers, LTI 1.3
Related Ideas	None
Related Blog	Minor LTI 1.3 Changes: New OIDC Auth Endpoint, Support for Platform Storage

Summary

LTI tools can use Canvas as a proxy cookie storage service to allow the setting and collection of any cookie-like data. 

Change Benefit

This update allows users to successfully use tools on browsers with cookie lockdowns without needing additional support.

Release Notes Change Log

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Date
2023-10-25	Updated Feature New Quizzes: Bulk Migration Added New Screencast page
2023-10-13	Updated Feature LTI 1.3: Launch Without Cookies Removed: For non-Safari browser users, cookies are sent to the browser. For Safari users, cookies continue to be sent to Canvas.
2023-10-13	Updated Feature LTI 1.3: Launch Without Cookies Updated Summary: For non-Safari browser users, cookies are sent to the browser. For Safari users, cookies continue to be sent to Canvas.
2023-09-20	Updated Feature New Quizzes: Bulk Migration Updated image and image description
2023-09-12	Updated Feature Improved Outcomes Management: Outcome Alignment View Menu Option Added Related Idea: [Reports] Outcomes simple alignment
2023-08-23	Added Feature Account Settings: Suppress Notifications from Being created and Sent Out
2023-08-22	Updated Feature Assignments: LTI Deep Linking Line Items Default Status Update Updated Subaccount configuration and affect user interface in the table. Updated Summary, Change Benefit, image and Additional Details
2023-08-17	Updated Feature New Quizzes: Bulk Migration Updated Summary Note
2023-08-14	Updated Feature New Quizzes: Bulk Migration Added Note: In the Beta environment, only the New Quizzes Migration During Course Import/Copy feature option has a default status of enabled/Unlocked. Updated Feature Workflow Image of Feature Options.
2023-07-17	Published Release Notes