Canvas recently introduced a new Differentiation Tags feature preview. Feature previews are course capabilities still in active development. Unlike other feature previews that can be enabled on a course-by-course basis, this preview is only optional at an account level and is available to use in all courses if you opt to do so. Users who choose to use to the feature may visit the Community user group can help improve the feature through direct feedback but should understand that this feature may receive updates as soon as the updates are released.
Differentiation Tags allow instructors to assign specific content to customized sets of students to personalize learning based on learning needs, interests, progress, or preferences. These tags are invisible to students and are not used for collaboration, unlike traditional groups. Once tagged, instructors can use the new “Assign To Tags” functionality to assign modules, assignments, quizzes, discussions, and pages directly to specific groups of students assigned the same differentiation tag. You can also vary due dates or availability windows for the different sets of students.
Differentiation Tags are created and administered using the People tool. A “Get Started” walkthrough is presented when you click the “Manage Tags” button.
Use the “Manage Tags” button to create. In the Create Tag window, enter a Tag Name and a Tag Set.
To add tags to students, click the checkbox to the left of the student name and click the Tag As button. A tag icon displays next to a tagged student’s name.
Notes:
- Students can have multiple tags. However, if the tags are part of the same tag set, a student can only be assigned one tag from that set.
- Each course is limited to 40 tags total and 10 variants per tag set.
- Only users enrolled in a course as a Teacher or TA has permission to create, edit, or delete Differentiation Tags.
For more information, please review the following Canvas resources:
- Canvas Product Blog 06-23-2025: Understanding Sections, Groups, and Differentiation Tags: What’s the Difference?
- Canvas Instructor Guide, How do I create and manage Differentiation Tags as an instructor?
- Differentiation Tags User Group
- Canvas Release: Differentiation Tags (2025-06-21) Release Note
- Differentiation Tags FAQ
If you have any questions about the changes or about how to use Canvas effectively, IT-Academic Technology Services staff is always available at the IT-ATS Welcome Bar or you can send your questions to canvas-info@udel.edu.
