Summer Canvas updates
July 7, 2025
Learn more about updates in Canvas to Smart Search, Discussions Summary, and Discussion Checkpoints.
The Smart Search feature uses keywords and context to return results, even with partial
searches or common misspellings. This new option in Canvas makes it easy for students
and instructors to find content inside courses, modules, assignments, discussions,
and more.
This new tool streamlines instructor discussion management by highlighting active
discussions, identifying potential issues, and tracking student participation. The
feature benefits high-participation courses by making discussion content more accessible
and manageable.
The Discussions Checkpoints is an optional feature in Canvas that offers better oversight
of student participation, clearly showing who posts by introducing a structured approach
to managing online discussion participation. It ensures regular engagement by letting
instructors set specific timeframes—called checkpoints—when students must contribute
to discussion forums.
For more information, contact Chris Beks at chris.beks@alaska.edu.