Discussions Checkpoints is a much awaited add-on feature to the Discussions Redesign. They are not required, but their availability will change the discussion settings and their use may update the language and workflow presentation for student replies. The feature will be enabled the last week in December to allow for use in 2025 Winter course sites. Please monitor the Canvas gateway page for any schedule changes.
What are checkpoints? Checkpoints, or multiple dates, can be set for the different steps required for graded discussion participation such as the initial response and the subsequent replies.
Why are they useful? Some instructors have crafted creative workarounds to achieve this workflow, but Discussion Checkpoints will provide a more streamlined and effective solution. Also, students will be provided with the checkpoint schedule to allow them the time to think critically about the responses provided by classmates before immediately adding their reply. This may result in more meaningful discourse across classmates.
Check out the video below for a walkthrough preview of this new feature.
For more information, please review Canvas Discussion Checkpoints FAQ Document regarding grading, student to-do lists, and notifications.
