To enable Discussion Checkpoints, first create a new discussion or edit an existing one. In the discussion settings, ensure “Graded” is checked [1], then check the “Assign graded checkpoints” box [2]. At this point, checkpoints cannot be used in ungraded discussions.

This will add an area where you can assign points to the initial post (“Reply to Topic”) [1], the number of required replies (up to ten) [2], and points to the additional replies [3]. The point values for “Reply to Topic” and “Additional Replies” are automatically totaled [4].

Note that you must include points in [1] and [3], even if you are using Complete/Incomplete grading. In that case, I recommend assigning 0 points to both. When you grade the discussion, it will only be considered Complete if both scores are Complete, no matter the point values you configured here.

Finally, you can add due dates below for the initial post and required replies. The “Assign To” section works as usual, meaning you can have different due dates for different students or sections.

When you grade a discussion with checkpoints, you can enter a grade and/or status for each component: initial post and required replies.

The points for initial post and required replies are then totaled automatically. You still only have one comments box, and the discussion will only show as one column in the Canvas Gradebook. Additionally, you may choose to use a rubric on a discussion with checkpoints. If you do, you will still have to manually enter the point values for each part of the discussion, as these do not currently auto-populate from the rubric scores.

How Students Interact with Discussion Checkpoints 

For students, discussions with checkpoints are very similar to regular discussions. On the discussion, they will see a new button labeled “View Due Dates.”

When they click that button, a sidebar will open with the requirements and due dates. Once they have completed the appropriate components, this sidebar will display a “Completed” message with the date and time of their posts.

Discussions with checkpoints will display for students with two calendar events (one for initial post and one for required replies) and will display as two items on their to-do list. This provides a significant amount of clarity and helps remind students of what they need to do and when.

Discussions with checkpoints will also show as two items in the Modules area of your course.

Conclusion

If you require your students to reply to each other’s posts in discussions, we strongly encourage you to test out the new Discussion Checkpoints feature in Canvas. This feature helps clarify due dates and grading for students, allowing you to clearly communicate quantity and due dates of replies.

McGraw-Hill Connect Instructor Basics

Sync Your Connect Section with Canvas – Initial Pairing

Reuse Your Connect Course with Canvas (Semester to Semester Copy)

McGraw-Hill Connect New Instructor Experience (Updated interface)

McGraw-Hill Connect Instructor Resources

If you need further assistance please contact Jeff Kosko, Phone: x3669 jkosko@jccc.edu in LIB 375A,  Educational Technology Center

Cengage has numerous products that integrate with Canvas such as MindTap, SAM, CNOW, and WebAssign.

• MindTap with Canvas Training Resources
• Cengage SAM Integration
• Cengage CNOW Integration
• Cengage WebAssign

If you need further assistance please contact Jeff Kosko, Phone: x3669 jkosko@jccc.edu in LIB 375A,  Educational Technology Center

• Visit Pearsons’ MyLab & Mastering LMS Integration Services site for training resources and videos on using their tools with Canvas.
• Create or Copy Pearson Content with Canvas 
• Pearson also has videos on Youtube on using MyLab & Mastering with Canvas

If you need further assistance please contact Jeff Kosko, Phone: x3669 jkosko@jccc.edu in LIB 375A,  Educational Technology Center

Transition Guide from Pearson LTI 1.1 to LTI 1.3

If you are using the new Pearson Access LTI 1.3 tool for the first time

You are encouraged to contact Jeff Kosko,  Ext. 3669, in the Educational Technology  Center, LIB 375A,  to assist you with this process.

or your Pearson rep:

Patrick Havens  patrick.havens@pearson.com
Pearson Sales Representative, 617-939-0344

or email customersuccess@pearson.com with any questions you have.

The new Pearson Access tool will be installed at JCCC on May 23, 2023 in Canvas. The old tools of MyLab and Mastering and the old Pearson LTI are anticipated to be removed from Canvas by December 31, 2023.