Canvas Feature Updates – June 2024
Gradebook – Message Students Who Numbers Update
Production Environment Availability: 6/5/2024
When selecting roles using the Message Students Who feature in the Gradebook and modifying the Send Message To list, the displayed numbers update to reflect the current number of selected users. This update enhances clarity by displaying the number of users who will receive the message. When managing the Sent Message To list, the number of selected recipients updates appropriately.
Gradebook Context Card Tray Close Icon Update
Production Environment Availability: 6/5/2024
In the Gradebook, the student context card close icon is relocated. This update provides cohesion across the Canvas interface. The context card icon is relocated.
SpeedGrader- Randomize within Submission Status Sorting
Production Environment Availability: 6/5/2024
In SpeedGrader Settings, instructors can randomize the order of students within submission status. This update helps prevent grading fatigue and biases when assessing students by sorting randomly. Additionally, it provides grading efficiency by randomly sorting within submission status. In SpeedGrader Options, select the randomize students within submission status option. Note: When the randomized students option is selected, the preference is saved as the default in the browser for the course. When logging in on another device, instructors must select the sort by options again.
SpeedGrader – Studio Media Comment Screen Capture and Auto Captioning
Production Environment Availability: 6/15/2024
In SpeedGrader, the Studio media recorder is introduced for screen capture and captioning. This update enhances the clarity of instructor feedback and improves accessibility by providing a streamlined user experience. Note: Closed captions may not be generated instantaneously and may require some time to process and appear.
To record a media comment, click the Record icon.
When creating a media comment in SpeedGrader, click the Screen Capture drop-down menu [1] and then select Enabled [2] to screen record. Captioning is auto-enabled for voiceovers. Note: Screen Capture is disabled by default.
Once Screen Capture is enabled, instructors can select to share a specific Chrome tab [1], specific window [2] or their entire screen [3]. Then, click the Share button [4].
To manage webcams, click the Camera drop-down menu [1]. Instructors can choose to enable an available camera [2] or disable the camera [3].
Additional Details
The Studio screen capture and captioning features for media comments are only available in SpeedGrader. Additionally, the recorder is only available in Chrome and Edge. Currently, there are no plans to introduce support for Firefox and Safari in the recorder. The Studio recorder for playback will be introduced in a future release.
Feature Video:
External Apps – Lucid Integration
Production Environment Availability: 6/15/2024
Lucid Edu suite is integrated and enabled by default in all Canvas instances hosted in the US. This integration offers real-time collaboration tools to enhance interactions among users.
In the Rich Content Editor toolbar, users can access the Lucid EDU suite using the Lucid icon [1] or the External Apps icon [2].
Upon initial setup for students, they can confirm their role [1], select if they are over 13 years of age [2], then click the Next button [3].
After confirmation that users are over the age of 13, users can Log in with their existing Lucid credentials [1] or Sign up for a new account [2].
Once verified, click the Connect button to connect Lucid to Canvas.
After reviewing the request for access, click the Grant Access button.
Once Access is granted, users can access Lucidchart [1] and Lucidspark [2].
To set Lucid as the submission type in assignments, select External Tools as the submission type [1], then click the Find button [2].
Then select the Lucid Link to choose the desired Lucid document [1] and click the Select button [2].
Courses – SIS ID’s Added to Course Tray
Production Environment Availability: 6/18/2024
In the Global Navigation Courses Tray, SIS IDs display if available. This update provides additional reference information that can help users quickly identify and distinguish between courses. In the Global Navigation Courses Tray, SIS Ids display if available. If a course does not have a SIS ID, only the Term information displays.
Sort Course List
Production Environment Availability: 6/18/2024
In the Courses page, users can sort courses. Additionally, a Favorite header text is added. This update enhances course navigation and personalization. In Courses, a Favorite header text is added [1]. To sort each column, use the ascending and descending icon [2]
