Canvas Updates

Several new features were added to Canvas over the summer. These are available for use now.

• SpeedGrader screen capture: In SpeedGrader, you can now record a screen capture video as a way to give students feedback on their assignment submissions. To access the feature, click the screen capture icon below the SpeedGrader comments box.
  
  
  
• Selective release of modules: You can now use the "Assign To" feature to limit module access to specific section or individuals. This can be handy if, for example, 

  you want to selectively release remedial content to struggling students or provide different content tracks. To use the feature, go to the Modules list, click the 3-dot menu of the module you wish to selectively assign, and choose the Assign To option.

  
  
  
• Discussion redesign: The Canvas Discussions interface has been redesigned to be more user friendly. Updates include improved accessibility, support for quoting and @ mentions, options for anonymous posts, a split view option for threaded replies, and the ability to let students report problematic posts (an option that faculty can enable or disable). Newest discussion replies now appear at the top of the screen by default.
• Multi-select and Custom Gradebook Filters: In the gradebook, you can now select multiple gradebook filters at once or create and save your own custom filters for reuse.

EBSCO to ProQuest Transition

On July 1, the Library began a new contract with ProQuest for several resources, including Proquest Central, which has replaced EBSCO's Academic Search Ultimate as the general research database available to USU faculty and students. Some additional EBSCO databases are being replaced by comparable ProQuest databases as well. This change is part of a statewide shift to ProQuest, led by the Utah Education and Telehealth network, through which USU obtains access to several research databases.  For a complete list of new ProQuest databases, plus EBSCO databases that are being replaced or retained, please see the EBSCO Transition libguide.

Searchable Syllabi for HB 261

The 2024 Utah Legislative session saw the passage of House Bill 261, which requires, in part, that institutions "publish the titles and syllabi of all mandatory courses ... on the institution's website in an online database readily searchable by the public." This means that, if you teach a course that students must take to complete their degree program, USU must make the content of the syllabus publicly viewable and searchable online. Please be sure to avoid including student names or other sensitive information in syllabus content. The manner in which USU will comply with this mandate is still undergoing research and development. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Fall CIDI Workshop Schedule

Fall workshops focus on AI in teaching, student engagement, using Canvas and other tools effectively, and more. Workshops are offered on Zoom at a variety of times. See the full workshop schedule for details and registration. We look forward to seeing you!