The Discussions tool in Canvas enables instructors to create engaging asynchronous discussions that help students deepen their understanding, assess learning, and foster peer interaction.
- Graded or ungraded: Use discussions for graded activities or ungraded conversations, such as Q&A sessions.
- Customizable: You can require students to submit their posts before viewing others’ responses and choose whether to allow students to edit or delete their submissions.
Watch this short video to learn more about discussions:
Discussion Tips
- Don't have to be text-based. Discussion replies are created in the Rich Content Editor, so your prompt and student responses do not have to be limited to only written work. Students can submit podcasts, files, images, audio/video submissions, and more!
- Easy to duplicate. Create a discussion template which you can then duplicate and edit for your individual discussion prompts.
- Add a rubric for clear student expectations and easy grading.
- Increase flexibility. Consider whether or not you want to allow students to attach files to their postings.
Canvas Instructor Guides
How do I create a discussion as an instructor?
How do I edit or delete a discussion in a course?
How do I delay posting a discussion until a specified date?