February 2025 technology updates
30 January 2025Image by Mohamed Hassan on Pxhere
In our technology updates we announce the latest developments in UoA supported tools for teaching and learning.
For February 2025 we feature improvements to Canvas Design Blocks, Ed Discussion, FeedbackFruits, and Inspera.
Canvas
Training for new and returning staff
Join Karl McGuirk, our in-house expert, for a hands-on Canvas Essentials session. Whether you’re new to teaching at the University or need a refresher, this session will guide you through the core features of Canvas to help you create an effective learning experience.
Topics covered:
- Access and navigation in Canvas
- Curating content with the Rich Content Editor
- Creating and managing modules, pages, and assignments
- Using communication tools to engage students
- Finding further support and resources
To find out session dates and times, and to register, visit the Canvas Essentials workshop.
Canvas Design Blocks Updates (Version 2.14.5)
The latest Design Blocks release (in production since January 23, 2024) includes bug fixes and enhancements:
- Glossary: Non-English words now render correctly in mouseover displays, regardless of casing or character set.
- Icons: Fixed disappearing icons, such as the “Koru” fern.
- Grid: Resolved issues with grid padding/margins defaulting to 12px when set to 0.
Design Blocks’ grid editor showing the padding options for a grid cell.
- Course Header: Pasted and formatted header text now saves correctly without being overwritten.
- Button Bar: Fixed issues with editable buttons and multiple Button Bars on the same page. Added a “remove icon” option.
Design Blocks’ Button Bar editor showing label and icon options.
- Buttons: New “remove icon” option for easier customisation.
- Image Cards: Added options for “open in new tab” and “Alt text” in the popover panel.
Design Blocks’ Image Cards editor with alt text and URL target options highlighted.
Design Blocks’ Button editor highlighting button size and icon options.
Ed Discussion
Mobile App now available
The Ed Discussion mobile app is now available, making it even easier for students and staff to engage in course discussions on the go.
Updated information about the app is now listed under the Ed Discussion feature option on TeachWell Digital.
FeedbackFruits
Acai Feedback Coach for Teachers
The Acai Feedback Coach is now available for educators! Teachers can receive targeted feedback guidance alongside their students, enhancing the quality and efficiency of their responses. It is accessible in Assignment Review, Skill Review, Peer Review, and Group Member Evaluation tasks.
Inspera
Bulk upload of explanations in grading (Marking 2.0)
Graders can now provide explanations offline by downloading Excel files (“Marks and Explanations” or “Grades and Explanations”), adding explanations in the new column, and re-uploading them to Inspera. This feature enhances efficiency with clear notifications and troubleshooting resources.
Inspera workflow options with download to Excel options highlighted.
Marks by Section Display
The Candidate in Focus and Results View workspaces now display marks awarded by section alongside the total number of questions. This update provides graders with a clearer overview of assessment results by section.
For more details, refer to Inspera’s help documentation.
Inspera grading overview page highlighting section 1 of the exam.
Inspera grading overview page highlighting section 1 of the exam.
Figure 7: Results view of Grading overview workspace
As always, should you have any questions or require assistance, seek support from IT Connect and Ranga Auaha Ako, Learning and Teaching Design Team. We’re here to help.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is accurate as of 30 January 2025. Please note that the features and updates mentioned above are based on available information at the time of writing, and there may have been further developments since then.
See also
Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) monthly forum
All staff at the University are invited to join the monthly forum. See the details for the Zoom link, agenda, and past recordings.