Canvas Release Notes (2025-01-18)
Upcoming Canvas Changes
2024-12-08
- Updating the mediaType for launches from New Quizzes items
2025-02-16
- Assignment Custom Parameter Data with Leading Zeros Stripped During Course Copy
For more information, please see Upcoming Canvas Changes.
In this Canvas release (18 January), AI-supported translations are available in Discussions, Announcements, and Inbox messages when the respective feature options are enabled. The Discussion Checkpoints feature allows instructors to set multiple due dates for graded discussions, supporting different stages like initial posts and follow-up replies. In New Quizzes, a Student Analysis Report can be exported as a CSV, and instructors can migrate Classic Quiz question banks to New Quiz item banks using an updated checkbox on the Course Copy and Import Course Content pages. SpeedGrader has been enhanced for faster load times and improved stability, and the Submission Sticker feature option is now available for Assignment Enhancements.
All Resources | Features in this release may be included in product blogs and other content areas. For all related links, view the 2025-01-18 Community tag.
- Institutions are responsible for conducting thorough evaluations of their custom CSS/JS with each release and deploy to assess potential impacts.
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- For general questions related to this release, see the Canvas Release Notes FAQ
- For Canvas Platform Service changes (API, GraphQL, Canvas Data), please see the appropriate page in the Change Log
- Looking to discuss the features in the Release Notes? Post a reply in the Features Q&A: Canvas Release Notes (2025-01-18)
Table of Contents
- Upcoming Canvas Changes
- 2024-12-08
- 2025-02-16
- Feature Options
- Discussions
- AI Translation
- Multiple Due Dates for Discussions
- Inbox
- AI Translation
- New Quizzes
- Student Analysis Report Available
- Question Bank Migration on Course Copy
- SpeedGrader
- Improved SpeedGrader Experience [Delayed as of 2024-12-05]
- Change Log updates
- Assignment Enhancements
Feature Options
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.
Discussions
AI Translation
Feature Option Name to Enable |
Course AI Translation |
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Locked) Course (Disabled) |
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-10-21 |
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
Affected Areas |
Announcements, Discussions |
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
When the Course AI Translation feature option is enabled, instructors and students can use AI-supported translations to translate text with Discussions and Announcements.
Change Benefit
This feature provides users the option to translate text into different languages and promotes inclusivity by allowing people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate and access information easily. It also enhances collaboration and understanding in multilingual environments, making content accessible to a wider audience.
Feature Workflow
To translate text in a discussion, click the Options button [1], then click the Translate Text Link [2].
Users can select from 100 available language options using the Language drop-down menu.
Once a language is selected, the discussion topic and replies display in the original language and the translated language.
Users can also select multiple languages by selecting additional language options.
Note: To remove translations, refresh the page.
Feature Video
Embed Code:
<iframe width="560px" height="320px" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay *" title="Release Screencast: Discussions/Inbox AI Translations" src="https://community.instructuremedia.com/embed/a9947ff8-89d5-4f9d-9410-3a1dc204cf3b" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Multiple Due Dates for Discussions
Feature Option Name to Enable |
Discussion Checkpoints |
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled) |
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-10-21 |
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
Subaccount Configuration |
No |
Permissions |
Discussions-create Discussions-moderate |
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
Affected Areas |
Discussions, Grades, SpeedGrader |
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not Available |
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
Related Ideas |
[Discussions] Multiple Due Dates (checkpoints) for Discussions |
FAQ |
Summary
When the Discussion Checkpoints feature option is enabled, instructors can set multiple due dates or checkpoints for graded discussions to accommodate different stages of the discussion process, such as the initial post and follow-up replies. Additionally, checkpoint discussions are supported in all migration related workflows which include the following:
- Course Copy
- Copy To
- Course Send To
- Blueprint Course
- Importing/exporting course.
Change Benefit
This feature allows for more structured participation, ensuring students meet deadlines for each required step in the discussion.
Feature Workflow
To create Discussion Checkpoints, instructors must select the Graded checkbox [1] and then the Assign graded checkpoints checkbox [2] when creating or editing a discussion.
Notes: Graded Checkpoints can be added to existing graded Discussions. Additionally, the Assign graded checkpoints checkbox is disabled by default.
Instructors must include the possible points for the initial reply to topic [1], the number of additional replies required [2] and the possible points for additional replies [3]. All points are calculated automatically and listed as the Total Points Possible [4].
When a discussion is added to a module, students can view all due dates and the number of replies required for a discussion.
As a student, click the View Due Dates link to view all due dates on the Discussion page,
A Due Dates tray displays with all due dates for the initial response and additional replies.
Once checkpoints are complete, the date and time display in the Due Dates tray.
In the Gradebook, discussion checkpoints display as a single item. Instructors can update a student’s grades and assignment status using the Grade Detail tray.
In SpeedGrader, the individual post is highlighted [1], for easy identification. Instructors can navigate between responses using the Previous and Next Reply buttons [2]. Separate fields are provided to enter grades for both the individual response [3] and additional replies [4]. Additionally, instructors have the option to update the status for each reply field [5].
Note: Replies display in chronological order.
On the Student Grades page, students can use the Expand icon to display grades for each checkpoint.
Feature Video
<iframe width="560px" height="320px" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay *" title="Release Screencast: 2024-11-16 Discussions Multiple Due Dates for Discussions" src="https://community.instructuremedia.com/embed/632b154a-73cd-4db6-b7fe-e1ad00c059fc" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Inbox
AI Translation
Feature Option Name to Enable |
Enable AI Translation |
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Locked) |
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-10-21 |
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
Subaccount Configuration |
No |
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
Affected Areas |
Area(s) |
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
Related Ideas |
Summary
When the Enable AI Translation feature option is enabled, users can use AI supported translations to translate Inbox message content. Additionally, inbox messages that are in a language different from the user’s preferred language, as set in their settings, are automatically translated.
Change Benefit
This feature provides users the option to translate text into different languages and promotes inclusivity by allowing people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate and access information easily. It also enhances collaboration and understanding in multilingual environments, making content accessible to a wider audience.
Feature Workflow
When composing a message, select the Include translated version of this message checkbox [1], then select the translation language [2] and choose between the As Secondary or As Primary radio buttons [3].
The user receiving the message can see both the original text and the translated text in the message field.
When a user receives messages that don't align with their preferred language, as specified in their settings, they are automatically translated.
Feature Video
See Discussions: AI Translation Section |
New Quizzes
Student Analysis Report Available
Feature Option Name to Enable |
New Quizzes |
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Unlocked) Course (Disabled) |
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-12-16 |
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
Affected Areas |
New Quizzes |
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
Related Ideas |
[New Quizzes] Add Student Analysis report with option to download |
Summary
In New Quizzes, a Student Analysis Report is available. Instructors can view this report by exporting the CSV file. In the Student Analysis Report, instructors can access a range of student data, including:
- Time Elapsed
- Submission Attempts
- Item Type
- Student Response
- Points Earned
- Number of Correct
- Number of Incorrect
- No Response
- Overall Score
Note: Currently, only the most recent attempt by a student is displayed, with previous attempts hidden. An update in 2025 will address this to include all attempts.
Change Benefit
This feature provides Instructors with clearer insights into students' grasp of course materials and concepts, enabling them to better support students in improving comprehension and test-taking strategies.
Feature Workflow
To generate a Student Analysis report, click the Generate Report button [1], then click the Export CSV button [2].
After exporting the CSV file, instructors can view a range of data related to a student's quiz.
Note: To prevent data exposure, SIS Data (such as SISID and Section SISIDs) is not displayed, as permission handling is still in development. This functionality will be addressed in an update early next year.
Feature Video
Screencast coming soon Subscribe to this article to be notified of updates |
Question Bank Migration on Course Copy
Feature Option Name to Enable |
New Quizzes |
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Unlocked) |
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-12-16 |
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
Permissions |
Permission Name(s), //If No Permission// Inherent to user role |
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
Affected Areas |
Copy Course page, Import Course Content page |
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
TBD |
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
Related Ideas |
[New Quizzes] Migrate questions banks from one course to another, without having to create a test. [New Quizzes] Alternative in migration from question bank to item bank |
Summary
Instructors can migrate Classic Quiz question banks to New Quiz item banks by using the Convert content to New Quizzes checkbox, previously labeled Import existing quizzes on the Course Copy and Import Course Content pages. Additionally, the Tooltip text is updated.
Change Benefit
This update allows Instructors to transfer question content from Classic Quizzes to New Quizzes without using quiz migration, greatly improving efficiency and saving valuable time.
Feature Workflow
The Import existing quizzes on the Course Copy checkbox is renamed Convert content to New Quizzes.
The Convert content to New Quizzes checkbox Tooltip text is updated.
Additional Details
After the copy or import is complete, all Question Banks converted to Item Banks appear on the Item Banks page of the new course, filtered under This Course.
Feature Video
Screencast coming soon Subscribe to this article to be notified of updates |
SpeedGrader
Improved SpeedGrader Experience [Delayed as of 2024-12-05]
Feature Option Name to Enable |
Modernized SpeedGrader Platform |
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Unlocked) |
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-10-21 |
Production Environment Availability |
2025-01-18 |
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
Affected Areas |
SpeedGrader |
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Available |
Feature Option State |
Production-ready |
Related Ideas |
[Speedgrader] Make SpeedGrader Faster [Speedgrader] Make Speedgrader Speedier w/ assignment downloads |
Related Blog |
Exciting Changes Coming to SpeedGrader: Modernization for a Faster Grading Experience |
Summary
SpeedGrader is updated for faster load times and enhanced stability. Additional interface updates include:
- A streamlined interface for the Section drop-down menu
- A clearer and more prominent No Submission alert
- An improved interface for courses without content
- The Submission Status is updated to a drop-down menu
- Rubrics are automatically displayed in the traditional view
- Media attachments and submission comments are moved and the delete icon is changed.
Change Benefit
This feature enhances performance for a faster, smoother experience for users handling larger courses or complex assignments. Upgrading the backend technology improves SpeedGrader's ability to manage high-demand tasks more efficiently and reliably.
Feature Workflow
The Sections drop-down menu is redesigned for a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.
The No submission alert is enhanced for better visibility and clarity.
Courses without content display a streamlined interface.
Instructors can edit the submission status using the updated Status drop-down menu.
Rubrics automatically display in the traditional view.
Note: When the Enhanced Rubric feature option is enabled, instructors can choose additional rubric views.
Feature Video
Not Available |
Change Log updates
A Feature Preview indicates a feature option in active development. Users who opt in to the feature and join the Community user group can help improve the feature through direct feedback.
The following Feature Previews have updates related to this deploy available in the User Group change log. When this feature option is available for general use, the feature option will be announced in the Canvas Release Notes.
Assignment Enhancements
Submission Sticker Feature Option
For more details related to this release, see the Assignment Enhancements: Release Change Log.
Change Log
2024-12-05
2024-11-20