New Canvas Features: March 2025 Updates
As part of our commitment to improving your teaching and learning experience, we’re excited to share new updates in Canvas, available as of January 18, 2025. These updates foster collaboration, simplify course management, and promote inclusivity. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most impactful updates and their benefits.
AI-Supported Translations
Bridging Language Gaps in Discussions, Announcements, and Inbox Messages
Communication in multilingual classrooms has become easier with AI-supported translations in Canvas. This new feature allows users to translate text in Discussions, Announcements, and Inbox messages into over 100 languages.
Please note that the feature flag is defaulted to off, you will have to turn this on in the course you would like to use this in with the Feature Flags tab under your Course Settings.
For more information on how to turn on feature flags, please navigate here.
How It Works
When the Course AI Translation feature is used
Users see a "Translate" button next to text entries.
Clicking this button instantly provides a translation in their preferred language.
Why This Matters
Fosters Inclusivity: Encourages participation from non-native speakers.
Improves Collaboration: Facilitates better understanding in group discussions.
Supports Global Learning: A game-changer for international and multilingual classrooms.
To illustrate, instructors can post announcements in English, while non-native speakers can easily translate them to ensure understanding. This feature breaks down language barriers and creates a more inclusive learning environment.
SpeedGrader Improvements
Grading Made Faster and More Reliable
Canvas has optimized SpeedGrader on the backend to enhance efficiency and reliability for instructors.
Key Benefits
Faster Access: Submissions load more quickly, even in large courses.
Improved Stability: Fewer interruptions during grading sessions.
Enhanced Workflow: Instructors can focus on giving feedback instead of troubleshooting.
This update ensures you can seamlessly grade assignments, discussions, and quizzes without delays, giving you more time to engage with students.
Full-Screen Access
Expanding Your Workspace for Greater Focus
The new full-screen mode in Canvas enhances visibility and navigation, making it easier to work across devices.
Why Full-Screen Access Matters
Improved Focus: See more of your course materials at once.
Better Navigation: Great for organizing complex modules.
Enhanced Accessibility: Works seamlessly on desktops and tablets.
For example, when organizing a module with several layers of content, full-screen mode gives you a clearer view, helping you structure materials more effectively.
Smart Search
Smart Search is a helpful tool that makes finding information in your course easier for you and your student. Instead of needing to use exact keywords or special search tricks, you can simply type what you're looking for naturally. Whether it’s just a few words, a question, or even a full sentence, Smart Search understands what you mean and gives you better results.
How to Use Smart Search:
Type Naturally: You don’t need to worry about using specific words or phrases. Just type how you would normally ask or search for something.
Use Any Language: You can search in any language you’re comfortable with—Smart Search supports multiple languages.
Search Anything in Your Course: Smart Search can find content across different parts of your course, like assignments, discussions, and resources.
Example:
Imagine you as an instructor want to find notes on a recent lecture. Instead of searching for “Week 3 lecture notes,” you can just type “What were the main ideas in last week’s lecture?” or “Lecture notes about cells.” Smart Search will recognize what you’re asking for and show you the most relevant materials. The student can do the same thing!
It’s designed to make finding what you need quick and easy, so you can focus more on learning!. Currently, Smart Search can look through the following specific items within your course.
Content pages
Announcements
Discussion prompts
Assignment descriptions
Please note: This feature must be turned on in the feature flags area of your course to use. To enable this follow these steps
Navigate to Settings
Select the Feature Options tab
Check the Smart Search feature
The Smart Search feature will now be enabled in your course and will be on your course navigation.
Enhanced Rubrics
Streamlining Assessment with Updated Features
Rubrics in Canvas now include several enhancements to make grading more efficient and transparent.
Key Updates
Simplified Import/Export: Easily share rubrics between courses or with colleagues.
Improved Assessment: Align rubrics with assignments for clearer expectations.
Streamlined Setup: Save time creating and customizing rubrics.
Rubrics play a vital role in grading consistency, and these improvements make it easier for both instructors and students to understand evaluation criteria.
These updates underscore Canvas’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, efficiency, and dynamic teaching environments.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact the EdTech team at edtech@fscj.edu. We’re here to support you in leveraging these tools for an enhanced learning experience!
Try These Features Today!
Explore the latest Canvas updates and see how they can enhance your teaching and learning.