Introducing Canvas Discussion Checkpoints: A Way to Create Multiple Due Dates
The Education Technology team is excited to share a new feature in Canvas designed to help faculty better guide and assess student participation in discussions. Discussion Checkpoints offer a way to break a graded discussion into clear stages with separate deadlines and point values. This structure gives students clearer expectations while offering instructors more control over grading and feedback. Discussion Checkpoints are designed to give students more clarity on expectations and help them manage their time effectively. The detailed structure aligns with Canvas’s broader goal of improving transparency in assignments. This approach also provides instructors with more flexibility in grading and feedback as participation unfolds over time.
Key Features
Discussion Checkpoints bring several new capabilities:
Students see separate to-do list items and calendar entries for each checkpoint, helping them stay on track.
Instructors receive separate grading notifications for each checkpoint and can apply statuses such as Late, Missing, or Excused individually.
Threaded replies are required when checkpoints are enabled, helping organize conversations more effectively.
SpeedGrader displays all posts in chronological order, and instructors can choose between a grouped view or the full discussion view.
Adding Discussion Checkpoints
Adding them to your graded discussion is simple and all a part of your normal Discussion Creation process.
Open or create a graded discussion in Canvas.
Check the box labeled Graded (discussions with checkpoints cannot be anonymous).
Check the box labeled Assign graded checkpoints. This will allow you to add multiple due dates and point values.
Set the number of points possible for the initial Reply to Topic. (1)
Set the number of required Additional Replies (2) and points possible for those replies. (3)
Set individual due dates for each checkpoint if desired.
Adjust availability dates and assign to specific sections or students as needed.
Canvas will automatically total the points (4) for the discussion and display both checkpoints on the calendar and in the student’s to-do lists.
Things to Consider Before Using
Rubrics can be attached to the overall discussion but not to individual checkpoints.
Group discussions are not yet supported, though development is in progress.
Checkpoints do not appear in bulk due date editing and are not compatible with Course Pacing, Moderated Grading, Mastery Paths, or Curved Grades.
Calendar drag-and-drop is not available for checkpoint events.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to us at EdTech@fscj.edu