Body
Summary
This article examines the New Discussions changes around threaded and non-threaded discussions in Canvas.
How-To
Task: You'll be able to change your discussion settings.
Instructions
Canvas recently updated Discussions in August 2024 to include an option to disallow threaded replies. When enabled, students will not be able to reply to other students’ posts within a discussion.
This update may have affected some existing discussions due to differences in managing new and legacy discussions. As a result, Canvas may have automatically enabled the “Disallow Threaded Replies” setting to preexisting discussions.
At this time, we recommend checking the discussion settings in your active courses and master course shells to verify that the “Disallow Threaded Replies” option is not enabled for discussions where students need to reply to each other’s posts.
Student
If you are a student, you don't need to do anything.
Faculty
September 12th Update - Bulk Update
A new button will be available on the Discussions Index page, allowing users to bulk-enable threaded replies in all discussions in a course by unchecking the 'Disallow Threaded Replies' option. Please be aware that this action will apply to all discussions in the course, not just those affected by the error, and the change is irreversible.
This temporary option will be activated on Monday, September 16, 2024, and will remain available until the end of October.
Check your Discussions tab in Canvas to see if this feature is available to you.
If you prefer to check Individual Discussion Board Posts see below -
If you are an instructor, instructional designer, or other person responsible for creating discussions, then you should check the settings for each of your discussions in all of your current or future classes. See the How do I edit a discussion in a course? lesson from the Canvas Instructor Guide if you need help doing that.
Check the options section where it says "Disallow threaded discussions."
- Select (check) that checkbox if you want a flat, non-threaded discussion. This prevents users from responding to other student's replies and forces them to respond to the main discussion topic.
- Deselect (uncheck) that checkbox if you want a threaded discussion. This allows students to respond to each others replies.
If you change the setting, be sure to scroll down and hit save.
Outcome
You'll know how to check your discussion settings in your course for threaded or not threaded.
Further Readings
How do I edit a discussion in a course?
Need additional help?
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.