Here's what's new for Fall - 2024
Additional updates will be added throughout the quarter. Newest updates at the top.
Improved Speedgrader Experience Changes Coming January 16th, 2025.
- Improved Speedgrader Experience
- Preserve Group Set During Assignment Copy
- Assign to Interface Update
- Announcements Time Stamp
- @mentions in Discussions uses Display Name
- Edit button added to Discussion Index Page
- SpeedGrader Equation Editor Added to Rich Content Editor
- SpeedGrader Rich Content Editor Features
- SpeedGrader Comment Updates
- Multi-Tool Assign To
- Course Navigation Interface Update
Improved Speedgrader Experience
SpeedGrader will be updated on January 16th, 2025 for faster load times and enhanced stability. Additional interface updates include:
- A streamlined interface for the Section drop-down menu
- A clearer and more prominent No Submission alert
- An improved interface for courses without content
- The Submission Status is updated to a drop-down menu
- Rubrics are automatically displayed in the traditional view
- Media attachments and submission comments are moved and the delete icon is changed.
This feature enhances performance for a faster, smoother experience for users handling larger courses or complex assignments. Upgrading the backend technology improves SpeedGrader's ability to manage high-demand tasks more efficiently and reliably.
The Sections drop-down menu is redesigned for a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.
The No submission alert is enhanced for better visibility and clarity.
Courses without content display a streamlined interface.
Instructors can edit the submission status using the updated Status drop-down menu.
Rubrics automatically display in the traditional view. When the Enhanced Rubric feature option is enabled, instructors can choose additional rubric views.
Preserve Group Set During Assignment Copy
When copying a group assignment from one course to another, a new group set with the same name as the original is now created in the destination course if no matching group set exists. Previously, copied group assignments were automatically linked to an existing matching group set in the destination course or defaulted to the Project Groups group set, which was created automatically if no other match was found.
This update is beneficial because it maintains consistency and organization of group sets when copying assignments between courses.
Assign to Interface Update
An additional “+ Assign To” button has been added to the top of the Assign To tray and the top of the Assign To list for Assignments, Discussions, Pages, and Quizzes Edit/Create pages. Once a user has added more than three Assign To cards, the + Assign To button will appear at the top.
This update streamlines instructor workflow, especially for larger courses, by eliminating the need to scroll down to the bottom of the tray or list in order to add a new Assign To card.
Announcements Timestamp
On the Timestamps for Announcements, the Created date is not visible to students and the Last edited date is only visible if the edit happened after publishing. Additionally, the Posted date now shows the date when the announcement became available. This update helps prevent students from misunderstanding the Posted and Last edited date.
@mentions in Discussions uses Display Name
When users type ‘@’ to mention someone, display names show. Before this change, when a user typed ‘@’ to mention someone, the populated list used Full names instead of Display names. Now it shows display names. This update prevents full names from being displayed and users will be mentioned by their display name only. Once the users starts typing @ in a Discussion reply the list of names are Display names.
Edit Button added to Discussion Index Page
On the Discussions Index page, the edit button has been added to the kebab menu. This update allows users to navigate to the edit page directly from the Discussions index page. On the Discussions page, click on the kebab menu. Then click the Edit link.
SpeedGrader Equation Editor Added to Rich Content Editor
The Equation Editor function is added to the Rich Content Editor in SpeedGrader. This feature enables instructors to incorporate math equations into their comments on assignments.
When writing a comment in SpeedGrader, click the Equation icon to add math equations.
SpeedGrader Rich Content Editor Features
In SpeedGrader, certain Rich Content Editor (RCE) features are available when commenting. Additionally, instructors can edit comment drafts. The available RCE features include:
- Heading
- Bold
- Italic
- Underline
- Font color
- Insert Hyperlink
- Bullets
This change allows instructors to provide more detailed and formatted feedback to students by emphasizing key points, organizing information clearly, and including external resources directly in their comments. This enhanced feedback improves communication, making it easier for students to understand the feedback and take action on it.
In SpeedGrader, instructors can utilize certain Rich Content Editor features when drafting a comment.
SpeedGrader Comment Updates
Starting 9/11/24, when grading a submission in SpeedGrader, there will be certain RCE features available for SpeedGrader comments, including Heading, Bold, Italic, Underline, Font color, Insert Hyperlink, and Bullets. Also, instructors will be able to edit SpeedGrader comment drafts without first publishing the draft and then editing.
Multi-Tool Assign To
In the Create and Edit pages for Assignments, Discussions, Pages, and Quizzes, the Assign To interface is displayed by default. This update streamlines instructor workflow and improves the ability to differentiate instruction of assignments and discussions.
Course Navigation Interface Update
In Course Settings, the Course Navigation interface is updated with Drag icons, increased space between options. This update enhances clarity around the ability to drag and reorder items, while also improving the user interface.
