Faculty can now configure Discussion Checkpoints in Canvas. This feature allows for the scoring and due dates of discussions into two separate items: the initial post (called "Reply to Topic") and required replies. This feature is able to be applied to a discussion board that already exists. 

You can watch this quick overview video from Instructure to get started:

How to Set Up Discussion Checkpoints in Canvas 

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.

How to Grade Canvas Discussions with Checkpoints

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. In the discussion, they will see a new button labeled "View Due Dates."

When students 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.

We hope you are just as excited as we are for this new feature! 

Contact support@williamjames.edu with any questions.