Instructure releases a product update - called a Sprint - approximately every three weeks. The following are the most recent product updates for the months of January and February. There were very few updates in November and December updates were delayed. Select the date links below for detailed release notes.
November 16th Canvas LMS Deploy Detail Notes
New Updates
New Feature: Import/Export Enhanced Rubrics in .CSV and .XML formats - Faculty
Note: WSUTech has elected to postpone enabling Enhanced Rubrics
January 18th Canvas LMS Deploy Detail Notes
New Updates
New Feature: AI Discussion Translation - All Users
New Feature: Multiple Discussion Due Dates - Faculty
New Feature: AI Inbox Translation - All Users
New Quizzes: Student Analysis Report - All Users
Enhancement: SpeedGrader Performance - Faculty
New Feature: Full Screen Width Access - All Users
New Feature: Discussion Checkpoints - Faculty
New Feature: Submission Stickers - Faculty
New Updates Coming This Quarter
A listing of anticipated updates to Canvas coming in the next quarters.
January 6th Canvas Catalog Deploy Release Notes
New Catalog Updates
New Feature: Integration of Canvas Catalog with Canvas Credentials. Note that WSUTech is exploring Canvas Credentials. We do not currently license this product.
February 10th Canvas Catalog Deploy Release Notes
New Catalog Updates
New Feature: Course and program recommendation feature that displays popular and trending courses.
Following a semester-long trial period involving several faculty, and a thorough product review process conducted by the cross-curricular Innovative Technology Committee, Copyleaks was selected as the campus’ new plagiarism detection product - replacing Blackboard SafeAssign. You can expect to see this product launched across the enterprise later this month.
Beginning Tips
Canvas Text Header to Announce Module Dates
ITAS recommends using the Canvas Text Header feature to announce Module Dates. This provides students a highly visible view of the module start and end dates. Simply add a Text Header that indicates “Module Dates: [add the to and from dates]” and drag to the top of the module content. Bonus: Text Headers have slightly larger default font size than other module content which draws attention.
Note: This may already be included in the course Blueprint.Autofill Canvas Gradebook Missing Items to Zero
Auto-filling the gradebook to zero provides the advantage of ensuring accurate grade calculations by automatically assigning a zero to any missing assignments, giving students a clear view of their current standing in the course and potentially motivating them to submit work before the deadline - especially when they see the immediate impact of a missing assignment on their total grade.
Intermediate Tips
Sort Gradebook by Ungraded and other Filters
With Enhanced Gradebook Filters, you can sort and organize your Gradebook views. Even better, you can save these views so you can quickly and easily return to them whenever you want.Hide and Post Assignment Grades
You will probably know that when you grade student submissions, you often want to modify a few scores or add additional feedback. Unless you’ve hidden the grades, each student will see your posted score as soon as you submit. It’s better to hide all the scores for that assignment until you’re ready to post them.
Advanced Tips
Add a Parallax Effect
Create amazing parallax effects using images in Canvas. Parallax effects bring a layer of depth and movement to your pages, creating an immersive learning experience.
Note: This is for decorative purposes only and does not affect screen readers. Also, this effect cannot be added to a Blueprint.Create Stylized Tables
Tables are inherently boring, but you can learn how to easily apply some amazing styling with just a little bit of coding.
Note: This tip meets/exceeds accessibility requirements.Create a Timeline in Canvas
In this tutorial, we are exploring some fun code that will help you create a cool timeline for your Canvas pages.
For more cool Canvas tips & tricks we recommend you follow Sean Nufer’s How to Canvas blog and Matt Miller’s Ditch That Textbook’s 20+ Tips for Using Canvas
In this Substack we would like to showcase ITAS Instructional Designer Kristy Duggan’s Work Ethics: Choose Your Adventure course activity that uses SchoolAI to create a personalized chatbot. (SchoolAI is free for teachers.) This particular chatbot provides project knowledge and feedback scenarios based on small aircraft manufacturing, guiding students through various workplace challenges. A custom Adventure Scenario can be created for any discipline. The instructor can track each student’s dialogue depth, responses, and prompts used. They can even see how deep into the Adventure each student explored. This feature can embed directly into Canvas.
Canvas AI Resources Hub
Stay up-to-date with Canvas and Artificial Intelligence by visiting the new AI Resource Hub. The site includes blogs, webinars, eBooks, white papers, resources, and more.
New Start Here Coming Soon!
Over the past few months, the ITAS Team has been busy redesigning the Student and Faculty Start Here template pages to make them more intuitive and user friendly. Content is now grouped into cards - similar to the Canvas and Canvas Catalog interface - that include brief descriptions to guide the user. These updates will appear in the Fall 2025 courses. Scroll down to see a preview.
The improved Faculty Start Here has been curated into eight cards that include critical information, including how to take attendance, how to submit final grades, and resource links. We’ve also included a handy checklist and critical reminders that guides faculty through each of these elements.
The improved Student Start Here has been curated into eight cards that include critical information, including a link to the syllabus, minimum technical requirements, and resource links. We’ve also included a handy checklist that guides students through each of these elements.
The improved Instructor Welcome page now includes a handy placeholder for video or photos, contact placeholder information that can be easily updated, and a placeholder for biographical information.
The improved Tips For Success now includes a cleaner interface for course tips, prior knowledge, and technical skills. It also includes WSUTech’s Commitment to Success credo.
