New Summer Semester Tools Now Available in Canvas

April 28, 2026 / Digital Learning / Tags: Digital Learning, Canvas, Canvas Updates

Ignite AI Tools

This selection of Ignite AI features are designed to save time and improve communication:

Ignite AI Summaries for Discussions
Automatically generates concise summaries of discussion threads, helping instructors quickly identify key themes and student contributions.
Canvas Guides: How do I use Ignite AI summaries for Discussions as an instructor?
Ignite AI Translations for Discussions and Announcements
Instantly translates content into multiple languages, making course communication more accessible for multilingual learners.
Canvas Guides: How do I translate a discussion using AI Translations as an instructor?
Canvas Guides: How do I translate an announcement using Ignite AI Translations as an instructor?
Ignite AI Item Authoring Assistance (New Quizzes)
Provides AI-assisted support when creating quiz questions, helping you generate, refine, and diversify assessment items more efficiently.
Canvas Guides: How do I use Ignite AI Question Authoring for Quizzes?

To enable any of these features, go to your course Settings link, and then navigate to the Feature Options tab.

Differentiation Tags

You now have the ability to use differentiation tags to personalize learning experiences. These tags allow you to assign specific content, activities, or assessments to groups of students based on their needs, progress, or learning paths, making it easier to tailor instruction without creating entirely separate courses.

Canvas LMS Blog: Introducing Differentiation Tags: Personalized Learning Just Got Easier
Canvas Guides: How do I create and manage Differentiation Tags as an instructor?

Discussion Checkpoint

Discussion Checkpoints in Canvas are a feature that allows instructors to structure graded discussions into multiple required steps. Instead of giving one overall discussion grade, you can assign separate points to key parts of participation, most commonly an initial post and follow-up replies. With checkpoints, instructors can set due dates and point values for each part, ensuring students stay engaged throughout the discussion rather than submitting everything at once. It's especially useful for improving the quality and timing of online discussions.
Canvas Guides: How to create a graded Discussion - Manage Checkpoint Settings
Feature Video: Discussions - Multiple Due Dates and Checkpoints

Student Customizable Dashboard

Students can now personalize their Canvas dashboard. This feature allows them to organize and prioritize course cards in a way that best fits their workflow, helping them stay organized and focused throughout the term (Available only to students).
Canvas LMS Blog: Customizable Dashboard for Learners | Feature Overview

If you'd like help getting started with any of these features, contact Digital Learning or explore the links provided within the article.

We're excited to see how you use these tools in your courses!