Canvas Discussions now has more options available.  There are flexible viewing options such as sort old to new and new to old, view split screen and condense or expand threads, and you can search for authors.

Both student and instructor can mark threads as read/unread, and easily quote a responder using the ‘@’ button.  Students can also report inappropriate or abusive comments directly to the instructor.

Another change is anonymous post options.  A partial anonymous post means students can choose to reveal their name and profile picture while a full anonymous post means names and profile pictures will be hidden.

Think very carefully before using the full anonymous option; the purpose of using a full anonymous discussion should be very intentional.  It is highly unlikely a responders identity will be known, including any inappropriate posts.  While you still have the ability to delete inappropriate responses, the identity of the responder will remain anonymous.

These features will become the default on July 2024, however you can enable the new default immediately in your courses starting today. To learn more about the new features, you can read about the redesign or watch the Instructure video.