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In January, Canvas changed the way discussions are graded via SpeedGrader. This was caused by a newly enabled feature called Discussion Checkpoints which allows multiple Due Dates and Grades for an initial student post vs replies. While the Checkpoint feature was highly requested, Canvas did not inform schools that the option changes the way instructors grade all discussions – not just the ones that use Checkpoints. The Checkpoint option is now off in Canvas.

Now when grading discussion via SpeedGrader, instructors will only see a single student’s posts.

Instructors have reported multiple issues with this new grading and George Mason has now turned the feature off. Discussion grading via SpeedGrader is returned to the previous method – which only shows one student’s posts at a time. Canvas has promised to fix the issue and has a feedback survey for those who want to help shape grading discussions in Canvas.

If you had Checkpoint grading on in a Discussion, here is what changes you will see now that the feature is off:

• If you had Checkpoints enabled, there is a possibility some student’s posts may not appear in SpeedGrader. Check the Discussion Board directly to confirm all student posts.
• If you had added separate Due Dates for Post and Replies, these are removed and there will be no due date listed. You can edit the discussion and add a due date.
• Instructors and students will see a note at the top of discussions that used Checkpoint, indicating the feature is now disabled.
• Total possible points for the discussion is the same – the points for Reply and Additional replies are added together
• Student grades remain the same in already graded discussions
• Student posts that need grading will display and can be graded using the total possible points for that discussion
• Ensure you tell students the required number of posts/replies; information (due dates and number of required replies) that was automatically added based on Checkpoint settings was removed

If you encounter any issues or have questions, please contact the ITS Support Center.

Spring 2024 courses will continue to use Blackboard. The committee is still finalizing its decision – an announcement will be made to the university community when available. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

All Fall courses will continue to use Blackboard. The committee is still finalizing its decision. Questions can be directed to [email protected]

The Mason community can now sign up for temporary accounts with the three finalist LMS vendors. You will receive communication from the companies on how to access the accounts. Users can explore the system and test features in a prebuilt sample course. A feedback survey will be sent to those who have requested accounts.

Signup Form »

The three LMS vendor finalists – Canvas (Instructure), Brightspace (D2L) and Blackboard Ultra (Anthology) – presented on campus May 8-10. Recordings are now available. Please complete the feedback survey after viewing presentations. Mason login required.

Canvas Recording

Brightspace Recording

Blackboard Ultra Recording

In addition, vendors will provide demo courses faculty can explore to get a more hands-on experience and provide additional feedback to the selection committee. Look for an email and follow-up post soon with signup details.

Based on all the feedback we have collected, we expect to have a decision on a replacement LMS within the next few months and will share it widely on Mason’s communication channels. After a platform is selected, we understand there is much work to be done. There will be a transition period for faculty with an emphasis on faculty development and automated course conversions. More details will be provided in the coming months.

Feedback received last fall, including thousands of faculty and student responses to surveys, polls, and focus groups, has helped shape the Request for Proposal (RFP). Throughout the LMS transition process, we will be communicating regularly with our campus community on important updates, milestones and opportunities regarding our move to a new LMS. Finalists will present demos in April and the Evaluation Committee will plan to send final recommendations to university leadership by the end of the spring semester. Visit lms.gmu.edu to stay informed on all of the latest opportunities for feedback as the RFP is evaluated. Email questions to [email protected].

Mason Community: Thank you for your support thus far on the project. This semester was dedicated to gathering information from the community. To date, the project committees have amassed more than 27,000 survey responses from faculty, students, and staff. We have led focus groups, presented at department meeting, and took part in many other interactions. This information will help to write the Request for Proposal (RFP) that will go out this spring. Enjoy the break!

Surveys for Mason staff/admins and leaders of Blackboard Organizations are available through Friday, December 16. Both short surveys are important to provide the LMS Review Committees with information.

Staff Survey link: http://go.gmu.edu/bbstaffsurvey

Organization Leaders link: http://go.gmu.edu/bborgsurvey

Please share these links with your colleagues.

A series of ten faculty focus group opportunities is now posted. All faculty (including adjuncts) are encouraged to help the Review Committee explore specific topics (based on the recent faculty survey) in depth. Most sessions we be held through Zoom with several on campus. Read more and sign up >

The LMS Review advisory committee membership is almost complete. The committee is comprised of faculty from each school and college, with several additional representatives including students.

We are also in the second week of our faculty survey availability. Thank you for all of the detailed responses. Faculty, please check your email (a reminder will be sent today) or the Blackboard homepage if you have not yet completed the survey. A student survey will be available in early November.