Last semester, when I had a new grade updated by an instructor (or even a discussion that I was subscribed to) there was a little blue circle by the grade tab. (Such as Home, Announcements, Syllabus, Modules, GRADES, etc.) It's not working anymore. Is Canvas not doing that anymore? And only doing email/text notifications? I really loved that blue notification by my grade tab. Thanks
Hello there, SARAH KITZMILLER 
I hope this information will be of help to you, Sarah. Please let Community members know if you have any questions about this information.
So there is no blue dot by "grades" on my canvas. When I click on "grades," I do see a blue dot next to the assignment that has been graded. But no blue dot next to grades to prompt me to look (if that makes sense)
Hi SARAH KITZMILLER...
As I look at the Guide (first link I provided for you), you may see a colored number next to "Grades"...but not a blue dot. If that is not showing up, but you are seeing a blue dot next to an assignment name (after you click on "Grades"), then I would recommend contacting the folks at the Canvas Help Desk to see if they might be able to help investigate this more. How do I get help with Canvas as a student? The vast majority of Community members here do not have access to your school's Canvas environment or your course(s) in question, so it would be a bit difficult to help troubleshoot this further here. After you've chatted with the Help Desk, please come back here to report on what you have learned...thanks!
Hi SARAH KITZMILLER...
As I look at the Guide (first link I provided for you), you may see a colored number next to "Grades"...but not a blue dot. If that is not showing up, but you are seeing a blue dot next to an assignment name (after you click on "Grades"), then I would recommend contacting the folks at the Canvas Help Desk to see if they might be able to help investigate this more. How do I get help with Canvas as a student? The vast majority of Community members here do not have access to your school's Canvas environment or your course(s) in question, so it would be a bit difficult to help troubleshoot this further here. After you've chatted with the Help Desk, please come back here to report on what you have learned...thanks!