One of the most highly-used components of Canvas are the Discussion Forums. In fact, here’s recent data showing just how many courses in each of Chapman’s academic divisions use Canvas Discussions:

bar graph showing usage of Canvas Discussions

However, I have long felt that the Discussion Forums lacked a lot of user-friendly features, so I am happy to share with you that this summer both the Discussion and Announcement features on Canvas will be redesigned to be more functional. I am especially enthusiastic about the ability to @mention a course member in a post, so it is easier to carry on a conversation.

You can find more information about the Discussion and Announcements Redesign here:

Canvas Discussions Redesign

If you want to go ahead and turn on the new Discussion features in your Canvas courses, you can do so by going to your “Settings” and toggling on this capability.students and professor huddline around their mobile devices

In addition to considering using this new feature of Canvas discussions, you may want to consider recent feedback from Chapman’s outgoing SGA President, Rachel Berns, about the features of Canvas that she encourages faculty to use to enhance the student experience:

  • Consistency: Stick to one method for communication, like using either the Announcements or Inbox for class updates.
  • Utilization of Built-in Tools: Use the Syllabus tab for the syllabus, and embed Zoom within Canvas for lectures.
  • Setting Due Dates: Assign due dates on Canvas assignments to ensure they appear in students’ To-Do lists.
  • Logical Organization: Organize modules by unit, week, or day for easy navigation.
  • Rubric Function: Use the rubric function for grading to provide transparency.
  • Hyperlinking: Include hyperlinks in assignments for easy access to related materials.

Want to try the new discussions or other Canvas features? You can meet with technology experts Monday-Thursday afternoons from 2:30-4:30 in the Virtual Tech Hub [note: link will open in Zoom] or schedule a consultation.

Though I’m a few days late, it’s never too late to celebrate Earth Day. As you do so, I recommend this outdoor concert filmed in Brazil’s Lençóis Maranhenses National Park:

And you might also enjoy this brief Q&A with Chapman alumn Leah Thomas (aka @greengirlleah) and Bill Nye the Science Guy.