Canvas (myCourses): Discussions and Announcement Redesign

Summary

This article demonstrates how to use the Discussions and Announcements Redesign.  Any existing “old” Discussions will be converted into the New Discussions format. 

 

How-To 

Video about using new Discussions

Note:  This video starts at 1:20.  The first part of the video is demonstrating how to enable the New Discussions and this is not pertinent since it will be automatically enabled.

 

Task: How to create a New Discussion.

Note: Any existing “old” Discussions will be converted into the New Discussions format. 

Instructions

Step 1 - Click on the Discussion link in the Course Navigation.  

Step 2 - In the upper right-hand corner of the page click on the Add Discussion button. 

Some new features of settings in New Discussion are: 

  • Anonymous discussions (options are completely off, partial, or full) 
  • Role displays next to the name 
  • Users can mention others by using the @ 
  • Users can quote other students in their reply 
  • If report option is enabled, users can report inappropriate posts (optional)

Discussion settings that remain the same: 

  • Users must post before seeing replies 
  • Reply posts can be marked as read or unread 
  • Discussion time stamp edit display 
  • Group Discussions 
  • Peer Review 
  • Add to student to-do list 

NOTE:  Check the Discussion options to make sure none of your settings were changed.  It has been reported that the option for threaded discussions may change as a result of the redesign.  You can change the option by editing your discussion and changing the selection.  Here is a link to the Canvas help guide instructions "How do I edit a discussion in a course?"  

 

Announcements Redesign

The new Announcements Redesign is automatically enabled once New Discussion is enabled using the feature preview under Course Settings.

Announcement New Functionality 

  • Role Display next to name 
  • Threads display author name 

All other features remain the same.

 

Outcome

You are able to add a New Discussion in your course.

 

Further Readings

Dive into the Discussion Redesign with our new video  

Canvas Guides (Instructor) Discussion Redesign  

Canvas Guides (Instructor) Announcements Redesign  

Canvas Guides (Student) Discussions Redesign   

 

Need additional help?

Submit a Canvas (myCourses) support request or visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.  

 

 

Print Article