This tool offers a streamlined and efficient approach to managing and participating in group discussions within Canvas. For instructors, it simplifies the management of group discussions by integrating natively with Canvas groups, eliminating the need for external tools or separate discussion boards. It also provides flexibility in grading, allowing for separate assessments of initial posts and replies, while automating due dates to keep students on track. This ease of use means the tool can be applied to both new and existing discussions with minimal effort. For students, the tool promotes more thoughtful and staged participation by providing clear deadlines for initial posts and replies, which are visible on their calendars and to-do lists. This staged approach encourages students to engage at multiple points, allowing them more time to read and reflect, leading to more meaningful interactions. The built-in checkpoints and transparent due dates reduce procrastination and provide clarity on all requirements, with each completed step clearly marked, ensuring students stay on top of their assignments. 

• Graded only: Checkpoints are only available for graded discussions. 
• Manual rubric scoring: If you use a rubric with a checkpointed discussion, the scores will not auto-populate the grade fields. You must manually enter the points for each checkpoint.
  • Tip: Use separate rubric rows for initial posts and replies to simplify grading.
• Potential gradebook issues: If you have late or missing policies enabled, you should test the checkpoint feature to ensure it works with your grading setup.
• Mobile app view: Due dates for checkpoints may not display correctly in the Canvas mobile app. Encourage students to use the desktop version for full functionality.

Yes, but students may need to refresh their calendar or To-Do list to see updates. Moreover, it may not be able to change once students start replying.

You can assign partial credit in SpeedGrader. Consider using a rubric to clarify expectations.

No, checkpoints are only available for graded discussions.

Yes, the sidebar in the discussion shows a “Completed” message with timestamps for each phase.

No, peer review is not currently supported within checkpointed discussions.

Yes, but double-check that due dates and group settings are updated before publishing.

Checkpoints are native to Canvas discussions.  For external tools, use separate assignments or embed them within Canvas pages.