Learning Technology Update

We are here to help! Schedule a One-on-One Consult for 30min, drop-in during Office Hours Fridays via Zoom or check out the list of upcoming webinars.

 

2023 - 2024 Updates:   Jan 18 2025  Dec 21   Nov 16   Oct 19   Sep 21   8/17/2024 

Looking for past issues? Check out the archive!  Aug2023-July2024   Sept2022-Aug2023   Aug2021-Jul2022   Sept2020-July2021

Burnt Orange subscribe button, links to page where you can subscribe to update newsletter

Academic Technology Update

What's New in Canvas

 

Jan 18, 2025

CANVAS:  Discussions - Multiple Due Dates   New Quizzes - Student Analysis Report   NQ - Question Bank Migration on Course Copy   SpeedGrader - Improved Experience   Product Blog

 

Canvas

Discussions - Multiple Due Dates

This feature allows for more structured participation, ensuring students meet deadlines for each required step in the discussion. Checkpoints FAQ Links to an external site.

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.

Discussion Assign Graded Checkpoint Checkbox
Discussion Assign Graded Checkpoint Checkbox

 

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].

Discussion Checkpoint Settings
Discussion Checkpoint Settings

 

When a discussion is added to a module, students can view all due dates and the number of replies required for a discussion.

Discussion Checkpoint View in Modules
Discussion Checkpoint View in Modules

 

As a student, click the View Due Dates link to view all due dates on the Discussion page, 

Student View Due Date Link
Student View Due Date Link

 

A Due Dates tray displays with all due dates for the initial response and additional replies.

Discussion Checkpoints Due Date Tray
Discussion Checkpoints Due Date Tray

 

Once checkpoints are complete, the date and time display in the Due Dates tray.

Discussion Checkpoint Due Dates Tray Completed Status
Discussion Checkpoint Due Dates Tray Completed Status

 

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.

Instructor Grade Detail Tray Discussion Checkpoint View
Instructor Grade Detail Tray Discussion Checkpoint View

 

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.

SpeedGrader Discussion Checkpoint View
SpeedGrader Discussion Checkpoint View

 

On the Student Grades page, students can use the Expand icon to display grades for each checkpoint.

Student Grade Page Discussion Checkpoint View
Student Grade Page Discussion Checkpoint View

 

Feature Video

 

New Quizzes - Student Analysis Report

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. In the Student Analysis Report, instructors can access a range of student data, including:

  • Time Elapsed
  • Student Response
  • Number of Correct
  • Submission Attempts
  • No Response
  • Number of Incorrect
  • Item Type
  • Points Earned
  • Overall Score

Note: Currently, only the most recent attempt by a student is displayed, with previous attempts hidden.

To generate a Student Analysis report, click the Generate Report button [1], then click the Export CSV button [2]. 

New Quizzes Student Analysis Report Export CSV Button
New Quizzes Student Analysis Report Export CSV Button

 

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.

Student Analysis Sample CSV Export File
Student Analysis Sample CSV Export File

 


Note: This video has no audio.

 

New Quizzes - Question Bank Migration on Course Copy

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.

The Import existing quizzes on the Course Copy checkbox is renamed Convert content to New Quizzes.

Copy Course Convert Content to New Quizzes Checkbox
Copy Course Convert Content to New Quizzes Checkbox

The Convert content to New Quizzes checkbox Tooltip text is updated.


Convert Quizzes Warning Modal
Convert Quizzes Warning Modal

 

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.

 

SpeedGrader - Improved Experience

This Nov 16 release was delayed until Jan 18 - Improved SpeedGrader Experience

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.

 

Product Blog

 

Top of Page

 

Dec 21, 2024

CANVAS:  Deploy Notes   Product Blog   New Feature - Differentiation Tags
DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY CENTER:  Full Course Remediation Assistance 
ZOOM:  Minimum Client Version 
QUALTRICS:  Qualtrics Updates

 

Canvas

**There will not be a December release; the next release is 1/18/2025 Links to an external site.**

 

Deploy Notes

 

The Product Blog

 

New Feature - Differentiation Tags

Help Us Fine-Tune Differentiation Tags: Your Feedback Matters! Links to an external site. 

 

Digital Accessibility Center

 

Zoom

  • Zoom Minimum Client Version – 6.2.10 MCV Update – December 10, 2024
    Updates include: Improved AI Companion features, AV1 Video Codecs, More keyboard shortcuts for app navigation

 

Qualtrics

  • Qualtrics License Update – Qualtrics license for campus instance will be updated to a new version over the Winter Break. No anticipated service interruptions.
  • Updated license will have a few new features and survey response limits.

 

Top of Page

 

Nov 16, 2024

CANVAS:  Improved SpeedGrader Experience   Feature Option - Enhanced Rubrics   Deploy Notes   The Product Blog
DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY CENTER:  Full Course Remediation Assistance 
Zoom Minimum Client Version    Panopto Updates    Microsoft Updates    Qualtrics Updates

 

Canvas

Release Notes

 

SpeedGrader

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.

 

The Sections drop-down menu is redesigned for a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.

SpeedGrader Sections Drop-Down Menu
SpeedGrader Sections Drop-Down Menu

 

Instructors can edit the submission status using the updated Status drop-down menu.

Submission Status Drop-Down Menu
Submission Status Drop-Down Menu

 

Feature Option - Enhanced Rubrics

Enhanced Rubrics Links to an external site. - Allow Importing of Rubrics from csv Format and Share using 'Copy To' and 'Send To'

 

Deploy Notes 

 

The Product Blog 

 

Digital Accessibility Center 

 

Zoom

 

Panopto

 

Microsoft 365

 

Qualtrics

  • Qualtrics license will be updated to a modern version in December after final exams.  There will be a more detailed announcement to campus about the change soon 
  • Leaving the university? Be sure to export your Qualtrics survey responses now!

 

Top of Page

 

Oct 19, 2024

CANVAS:   New Quizzes - Add Time to Existing Quiz Session   New Quizzes - Manage Student Result View   Deploy Notes    Product Blogs 
DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY:  Full Course Remediation Assistance Available 
QUALTRICS:  Scoring Summaries

 

CANVAS

Release Notes 

Full Release Notes - 10-19-2024 Links to an external site.

 

New Quizzes - Add Time to Existing Quiz Sessions Links to an external site. 

While a New Quiz attempt is ongoing, instructors can moderate a quiz and extend the time allotted for the quiz. Additionally, the student course-level accommodation modal link is moved to the Student column. Previously, this was linked in the Accommodations column.

Note: Extending the time of an ongoing quiz does not affect the instructor's interface.

On the Moderate page, the course-level accommodation modal is linked to the student’s name.

Course-Level Accommodation Modal Link
Course-Level Accommodation Modal Link

 

New Quizzes - Manage Student Result View Links to an external site. 

This feature helps instructors enhance learning by timing feedback to reinforce understanding, encourage independent learning, and prevent cheating. It also allows for better alignment with review sessions and ensures fairness by standardizing the feedback process for all students.

On the Settings page in New Quizzes, a Hide results from Students setting is available. This option is disabled by default.

Hide Results from Students Toggle
Hide Results from Students Toggle

 

When the Hide results from students setting is enabled, instructors have the option to selectively display some or all of the following: Show Questions [1], Show Points Possible [2], and Show Points Awarded [3].

Hide Results from Students Options
Hide Results from Students Options

 

When the Show Questions option is enabled, instructors have the options to Show Student responses [1] and Show feedback [2]. 

Show Questions Options
Show Questions Options

 

When the Show student responses option is enabled, instructors can choose when results are displayed after a specific attempt [1] and set specific Show on [2] and Hide on [3] dates and times. Additionally, they can display correct and incorrect responses using the Indicate response as correct or incorrect option, and decide whether to show the correct answer [4], either immediately or only after the student's final attempt [6]. These settings can also be configured to Show on [7] or Hide on [8] particular dates.

Show Student Response Options
Show Student Response Options

 

Feature Video

 

Deploy Notes for 9/25, & 9/11 

 

The Product Blog

 

Digital Accessibility Team

The Digital Accessibility Team will be available to provide support services and full course remediation as needed. Do you know an instructor who wants a full course remediated (Ex. A Fall 2023 course they plan to use for Fall 2024)? Please email allyplatform@utlists.utexas.edu.

 

Qualtrics 

 

Top of Page

 

Sept 21, 2024

CANVAS:      Deploy Notes    Product Blogs 
DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY:  Full Course Remediation Assistance Available 
ZOOM:  AI Companion Available   Minimum Client Version 6.1.1
MICROSOFT 365:  Microsoft Updates

 

Canvas

Deploy Notes for 8/29 & 9/11 

 

The Product Blog

 

Digital Accessibility Team

The Digital Accessibility Team will be available to provide support services and full course remediation as needed. Do you know an instructor who wants a full course remediated (Ex. A Fall 2023 course they plan to use for Fall 2024)? Please email allyplatform@utlists.utexas.edu. 

 

Zoom Updates

 

Microsoft 365 Updates

Teams

  • Check out the “Shared” tab in Teams chat to find all the files shared in that chat! 
  • Instructors can use TEAMS to communicate electronic grades!
  • Teams and SharePoint consultations, please contact tlc-training@austin.utexas.edu 

Copilot

M365

 

Top of Page

 

Aug 17, 2024

CANVAS:   New Quizzes - Custom Results Feedback   Deploy Notes    Product Blogs 
DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY:  Full Course Remediation Assistance Available 

 

Canvas

New Quizzes - Custom Results Feedback

This feature allows instructors to reinforce key concepts, guide students on next steps, provide additional information and enhance their overall understanding of the material. 

In the New Quiz Settings, toggle on the Show custom feedback with results option [1], then add the custom feedback in the Rich Content Editor [2]. To Preview the custom feedback, click the Preview Feedback button [3].

New Quiz Setting Show Custom Feedback with Results
New Quiz Setting Show Custom Feedback with Results

Note: By default, the Show custom feedback with results setting is toggled off.

 

After completing a quiz, the custom feedback displays for all students on the Results page.

Student View Quiz Results Feedback
Student View Quiz Results Feedback

 

Deploy Notes for 7/31 & 8/14 

 

The Product Blog

 

Digital Accessibility Team

The Digital Accessibility Team will be available to provide support services and full course remediation as needed. Do you know an instructor who wants a full course remediated (Ex. A Fall 2023 course they plan to use for Fall 2024)? Please email allyplatform@utlists.utexas.edu.  

Top of Page

 

July 20, 2024

CANVAS:  'Assign To' Comes to Modules    Rubrics Redesign Phase 1   Inbox Updates    Deploy Notes    Product Blogs    Smart Search
DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY:  Full Course Remediation Assistance Available 
ZOOM:  Minimum Client Version 6.1.1
PANOPTO:  Panopto 15.0 Release
MICROSOFT 365:  Microsoft Updates

 

Canvas

'Assign To' Comes to Modules

This is NEW for Modules; however, the new 'Assign To' UI (user interface) will ripple throughout other elements in Canvas. Most notably, Assignments Links to an external site.; Discussions Links to an external site.; and Pages Links to an external site.

Summary: On the Modules page, instructors can assign students to an entire module and individual module items from the Modules page. Additionally, the Add Module and Edit Module Settings pages are redesigned as trays.

Notes:

  • If a student is assigned only a specific item within a module and not the entire module, they will see only that item in the feature area, such as an assignment on the assignment page, and not the rest of the module.
  • If a student is assigned an entire module, but only specific items within that module, students can only view the items they are assigned.

Change Benefit: This feature improves the differentiation of Modules to create a more dynamic and adaptive learning environment.

Feature Workflow

On the Modules page, instructors can also access the Assign To tab by clicking the Options icon [1]. Then, select the Assign To link [2].

Module Assign To Link
Module Assign To Link

 

When editing a module, the Edit Module Settings is redesigned to display as a tray with a Settings tab [1] and an Assign To tab [2]. 

Edit Module Tray
Edit Module Tray

 

Using the Assign To tab, instructors can set the module visibility to Everyone [1] or assign it to specific students [2]. In the Assign To field [3], instructors can select students or sections using the drop-down menu, typing student names, SIS IDs (if available), or section names . Lastly, click the Save button [4].

Assign To Tray
Assign To Tray

 

When a module is differentiated for specific students, a View Assign To link displays to easily review or edit visibility.

View Assign To Link
View Assign To Link

Note: The View Assign To link does not display if the module is assigned to everyone.

 

More information and screen shots, Module and Assignment Differentiation Links to an external site.. Feature Video below:

 

Rubrics Redesign Phase 1

Summary: The Rubrics page at the admin and course level is redesigned, allowing admin and instructors to search and sort rubrics, view the location rubrics are used, duplicate and archive rubrics, as well as more easily edit existing rubrics. Additionally, the rubrics create and edit interface is redesigned. 

Change Benefit: This feature enhances educational value and improves student learning as institutions focus on effective rubric-based assessments.

Feature Workflow

At the Account and Course level, the Rubrics page is redesigned. Tabs are available to display Saved [1] and Archived [2] rubrics. A search bar [3] is available and the Create New Rubric button [4] is updated. Admins and instructors can also sort rubrics in ascending and descending order by Rubric name [5], Total Points [6], Criterion [7], and Location Used [8]. Additionally, an options icon [9] is available for each rubric, allowing users to easily edit, duplicate, archive, or delete rubrics [10].

Account Level Rubric View
Account Level Rubric View

Note: Rubrics cannot be edited or deleted once they have been added to an assignment. However, this can be duplicated for additional edits and the creation of new rubrics.

 

When creating a new rubric, enter a Rubric name [1] and Rating Order [2]. To add a new criterion, click the Draft New Criterion button [3]. To create criterion from an outcome, click the Create from Outcome button [4].

Redesigned Create New Rubric Page
Redesigned Create New Rubric Page

 

When creating a new criterion, enter the Criterion Name [1] and Criterion Description [2]. To enable a point range, select the Enable Range checkbox [4]. Then, determine the desired Points [4]. Rating name [5], and Rating Description [6]. Then click the Save Criterion button [7].

Create New Criterion Modal
Create New Criterion Modal

 

Once the rubric is complete, users can edit [1], delete [2], or duplicate [3] criterion. Additionally, use the drag and drop icon [4] to re-order criteria. Then, either Save as Draft [5], Save Rubric [6], or Preview Rubric [7].

Create New Rubric Edit, Delete and Duplicate Icons
Create New Rubric Edit, Delete and Duplicate Icons

 

More information and screen shots, Rubric Redesign Phase 1 Links to an external site.. Feature Video below:

 

Inbox Updates

Add Signature to Messages

Summary: When enabled, users have the option to configure a signature when composing a message.

Change Benefit: This feature streamlines communication and enhances the effectiveness and professional appeal of inbox messages.

Feature Workflow

 In the Inbox, click the Settings button.

 

Inbox Settings Icon
Inbox Settings Icon

 

To create a signature, select the Signature On radio button [1] and enter the desired signature in the Signature field [2]. Then, click the Save button [3].

Create Signature Modal
Create Signature Modal

 

Once a signature is saved, it displays in the message body when composing a message. 

Compose Message Signature Display
Compose Message Signature Display

 

Add Auto Response to Messages

Summary: When enabled, users have the option to set an auto-response for messages.

Feature Workflow

To create an auto-response message, select the Response On radio button [1] and enter the Start Date [2], End date [3], Subject [4] and Message [5]. Then, click the Save button [6].

Inbox Auto Response Modal
Inbox Auto Response Modal

 

Feature Video

 

Deploy Notes

 

The Product Blog

 

Smart Search

Summary: Smart Search is a new feature preview available in Canvas using advanced AI and semantic algorithms. The Smart Search feature understands the context of queries, providing more accurate and relevant results without needing complex search operators or tools. Currently, the Smart Search feature is querying the following items within a course: 

  • Content pages
  • Announcements
  • Discussion prompts
  • Assignment descriptions

 

Feature Workflow

To enable Smart Search, go to Settings > Navigation tab and 'Enable' Smart Search > click Save.

For more information related to the Smart Search feature, click the How it Works button.

How it Works Button
How it Works Button

 

In the Smart Search field [1], enter keywords or phrases to return relevant results, then click the search icon [2], or use the enter/return key on a keyboard. Additionally, users can click the like or dislike icons [3] to provide feedback on the search results of specific items.

Smart Search Field, Search Icon and Like/Dislike Icons
Smart Search Field, Search Icon and Like/Dislike Icons

 

Digital Accessibility

Full Course Remediation Assistance

The Digital Accessibility Team will be available to provide support services and full course remediation over the summer. Know anyone who needs a full course remediated (Ex. A Fall 2023 course they plan to use for Fall 2024)? Please email Angela Turner.   

 

Zoom

Zoom Minimum Client Version

On Tuesday, July 30th we will enforce a MCV of 6.1.1 for all platforms. Release Notes for Zoom Rooms Links to an external site., Windows Links to an external site., Mac Links to an external site., Linux Links to an external site., iOS Links to an external site., Android Links to an external site. and Web Links to an external site. 

 

Panopto

Panopto 15.0 Release

  • Accessibility improvements included expanded keyboard commands for navigating menus and new ARIA labels for screen readers 

 

Microsoft

Updates

 

Top of Page