Canvas Discussion Checkpoints
Canvas Discussion Checkpoints is a feature for instructors to set two due dates within a single graded discussion. Setting discussion checkpoints improves time management by encouraging students to post and reply over time rather than all at once. This guide explains what Discussion Checkpoints are and how they work in Canvas.
Benefits of Discussion Checkpoints
Checkpoints allow instructors to create two structured milestones for an initial post due early in the week and replies due later, rather than one final deadline. Consider this feature to improve pacing, engagement, and accountability. Each checkpoint appears on the course calendar, syllabus, and student To-Do list, helping students manage their participation. Instructors can monitor progress for each checkpoint in SpeedGrader or the Gradebook, making it easier to track engagement and encourage consistent interaction throughout the discussion period.
Create a Graded Discussion to Enable Checkpoints
To use Discussion Checkpoints, you must create a Graded Discussion in your course with two Options enabled:
- Graded
- Assign graded checkpoints
Adjust Checkpoint Settings
When setting up Discussion Checkpoints, instructors can manage points using three related settings:
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Points Possible: Reply to Topic defines the maximum points a student can earn for their initial post in the discussion.
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Additional Replies Required specifies how many comments or responses a student must make to others after their first post.
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Points Possible: Additional Replies sets the maximum points possible for completing those required replies.
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Total Points Possible: Canvas automatically adds the point values from the initial post and additional replies, displaying the combined total below these settings.
Enter Assignment Availability and Due Dates
The Assignment Settings for Discussion Checkpoints control when students can post, reply, and continue engaging in the discussion. For example, if a discussion runs from Friday, October 3 to Friday, October 17, the first week might include an initial post due October 8 and replies due October 12. During the second week, late submissions may be marked accordingly, or students can continue discussing until the space locks on October 17.
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Reply to Topic Due Date and Time sets the deadline for students to make their initial post.
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Required Replies Due Date and Time is the final due date for completing required replies.
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Available From Date and Time is when the discussion becomes visible and open for participation.
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Until Date and Time is when the discussion space closes, preventing further activity.
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Save or Save and Publish to apply the changes.
Canvas Discussion Checkpoints FAQ
What if I only want to track participation without multiple deadlines?If you prefer one overall deadline, leave the Assign graded checkpoints option unchecked. This keeps the discussion as a standard graded discussion with a single due date.Can I assign checkpoints to a group discussion?Yes, you can enable a graded discussion for a group assignment and still use the checkpoint features explained in this guide.Can I create more than two deadlines?No. The Discussion Checkpoint feature offers an initial post deadline and a replies deadline.How do I grade discussions with checkpoints?Grade discussions in SpeedGrader as you would other graded assignments but look for a few additional features.Individual View in SpeedGrader
- The default SpeedGrader view shows the posts and replies made by an individual with the link option to switch to viewing the full discussion context.
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Submitted shows the submission date and time for the student.
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Reply to Topic has a grade entry field with shows max points and a Status drop down menu for late, missing, excused, and extended.
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Required Replies has a grade entry field with max points and the same Status options.
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Current Total automatically adds Reply to Topic points to Required Replies points for the total grade.
Full Discussion Context View in SpeedGrader
- Once you change to full discussion context view, you can get back to the individual view by clicking Switch to individual posts.
- You can use the student navigation buttons to move between the first post, last post or previous and next.
- Easily identify the number of replies compared to the required number of replies as you move through grading each student.
What do no submissions look like in SpeedGrader?When a student has not participated in the discussion, SpeedGrader shows a message stating, "This student does not have a submission for this assignment."