LibAnswers: Instructional Design

Canvas now offers instructors the option to set Discussion Checkpoints. This feature allows instructors to set separate due dates for an initial discussion post reply and additional replies, while also specifying the required number of additional replies to receive full credit. Like any other assignment, students have a to-do list item for each checkpoint.

Important terminology

Discussion Checkpoints include separate due dates and grading options for students to create an initial reply and an additional reply. 

• "Reply to Topic": A top-level reply to the discussion topic.
• "Additional Reply": Threaded responses to posts in the discussion.

Checkpoint requirements

Discussion Checkpoints essentially create two requirements for students: an initial reply and an additional reply (or multiple additional replies).

1. To meet the first checkpoint requirement, “Reply to Topic,” students must click the blue "Reply" button under the instructions to respond to the discussion prompt.
2. To meet the second checkpoint requirement, “Additional Replies,” students must add a threaded response to another post in the discussion.

Use checkpoints in Canvas

1. Log in to Canvas.
2. Select an existing discussion board post or select "+ Add Discussion."
3. Add all of the required elements (title, description, etc.).
4. Under Options:
   1. Click "Graded."
   2. Click "Assign graded checkpoints."
5. Under Checkpoint Settings:
   1. Set the "Points Possible: Reply to Topic" to the number of points students receive for their initial reply.
   2. Set "Additional Replies Required" to the number of additional replies students must write (between 1 and 10).
   3. Set "Points Possible: Additional Replies" to the number of points students receive for their additional reply.
   4. Confirm that the "Total Points Possible" is correct when adding "Reply to Topic" and "Additional Replies."
6. Under Assign To:
   1. Set the "Reply to Topic" due date and time.
   2. Set the "Required Replies" due date and time. 
7. Click "Save" or "Save and Publish."

Sample discussion checkpoint assignment

This sample discussion board is worth 10 points. Students can get up to 7 points for their initial reply. They are expected to add 3 additional replies. The additional replies are worth 3 points (1 point each). 

Students must reply to the discussion board with their initial response by October 6 at 9:00 a.m. Their 3 responses are due by October 9 at 9:00 a.m.

Speedgrader has two grading spaces: one for the initial reply and one for additional replies. Each is listed with the point value associated with that part of the discussion requirement. The "Current Total" calculates automatically based on the "Reply to Topic" and "Required Replies" entries.

If you add the Discussion to Modules, students see both requirements listed as part of the assignment.

A note on grading

If you attach a rubric to the discussion board, it will not automatically grade the assignment. Instead, you must type the numerical grade into Speedgrader.