Discussion forum apps that integrate into Canvas?

[kbeyer]

Since Canvas appears determined to force the Discussions Redesign on everyone beginning 7/20, I was wondering if anyone has used one of the many apps that integrate into Canvas as an alternative to the built in discussion tool?  I've browsed through a few, like Atomic Discussions and Flip but there are a lot I don't recognize or know anything about...  

If anyone has played around with these and has recommendations, reviews, insights, etc., please share!

I am looking for any viable alternative to the Discussions Redesign!!!

[jsowalsk · Accepted solution]

Have you tried Ed Discussion? https://edstem.org/

[mmoore1 · Accepted solution]

Or Yellow Dig https://www.yellowdig.co/ .  There is a cost feature associated with Yellow Dig. 

[Jeff_F · Accepted solution]

@kbeyer - I believe you will find the attachment informative.  Have a terrific day!  

[jsowalsk · Accepted solution]

Have you tried Ed Discussion? https://edstem.org/

[kbeyer]

Thank you!  That looks promising!

[mmoore1 · Accepted solution]

Or Yellow Dig https://www.yellowdig.co/ .  There is a cost feature associated with Yellow Dig. 

[Jeff_F · Accepted solution]

@kbeyer - I believe you will find the attachment informative.  Have a terrific day!  

[kbeyer]

Thank you!  That attachment is fabulous!!!  I really appreciate it!

[nuscitpkg · Accepted solution]

Some swear by Piazza. It seems to be popular among STEM educators.

[herbert_serrano]

I haven't tried it yet, but I saw Kialo at Instrucuturecon last week. It looks really cool and it is a different approach to discussion boards. The company is based in Germany so it is fully compliant with EU GDPR regulations, is accessible and is working towards full WCAG 2.1 compliance. And it is free.

[NAshcraft]

My university is piloting Harmonize, which integrates with Canvas.  My students really like it.  One feature I like with Harmonize is that it allows the instructor to see how many other posts in the discussion that the student has opened.  It gives me another measure (besides # of posts) with how engaged students are in the discussion.

[rlbrown21]

We tried Harmonze, I love it, students love it, faculty love it.  Our school cannot afford another tool.  Canvas should just buy a tool and integrate it.   They obviously cannot design their own discussion board.

[kbeyer]

Is anyone using Piazza that can share some feedback?  We are exploring different LTIs that integrate with Canvas discussions.  We are hearing good things about Harmonize, but would appreciate any feedback on either Harmonize, Piazza or any other discussion LTIs that we might want to consider.  All insights appreciated - good and bad!

[rlbrown21]

I was looking at Piazza too.  Wondering if anybody has experience with the contribution-supported model where it is cost-optional.  I was hoping that at least might be a way to fill in the gap hoping Canvas will fix things next semester.