Fall 2026
Peer Review Enhancements
Instructors can more easily assign points and set dedicated due dates for peer reviews. This reduces need for manual distribution of peer reviews. Read more.
Quiz Question AI Authoring
Ask Canvas to suggest quiz questions based on course content. The instructor/grade teaching assistant must review questions first, and can edit or delete as needed. Read more.
Honorlock Side Camera (Dual Camera)
This option may be enabled when instructors want students to show a second/wider view of their testing space, such as a side-angle view of the student’s workspace, desk area, and computer screen.
The instructor should inform students before the exam that they will need an external webcam (preferred) or a mobile phone that can be used as a camera. Students should test their setup before exam day, especially if they plan to use a phone as a webcam or need to position the camera away from their computer.
Instructor recommendation: create a practice quiz that uses the same Honorlock settings students will use on the actual exam, including Side Camera if it is required. This gives students time to install required software, test their camera source, and contact support before the graded exam.
For detailed instructions on setting up a side-angle camera, please review the Honorlock Side-Angle Camera Setup Guide.
Microsoft Education
Microsoft Education is now fully integrated in Canvas, replacing other Microsoft integrations that were previously used. The new tool has all Microsoft tools in one place including OneDrive, Class Notebook, Teams, and more. OneDrive links created with the old tool will be deprecated on September 17, 2026. To keep links active, use the OneDrive Migration Tool on the course’s Settings page. For more details about available tools, implementation, and migration, read Microsoft Tools in Canvas.
Textbook Integration
Textbook Integration is updated with the university’s new eCampus textbook provider. A textbook finder link will be added to Canvas courses.
Kaltura
Kaltura, the video tool in Canvas, was updated with a new interface. Functionality is the same, although users can now organize their My Media library in folders.
Surveys
Surveys were added to Canvas quizzes in Fall 2025. Recent updates allow instructors to download survey results as a csv file. Build > Reports.
Dashboard for Students
Students will see a new, optional Dashboard page which is personalized and action-oriented. Users with only student roles in courses will have access to the new dashboard. A new dashboard for all users will be available at a later date. Read more.
Spring 2026
Portfolios
Read the announcement about Portfolios, a new tool in Canvas.The previous limited functionality “ePortfolio” tool will be phased out by summer 2026. You must download any ePortfolio content that you wish to save.
Anyone can create a portfolio by going to their account in Canvas. Instructors can optionally create Evaluation Portfolios to define evidence requirements, which can be collected from one or more courses.
Canvas has usage guides:
Differentiation Tags
Differentiation Tags let instructors tag students based on learning needs, interests, progress, or preferences. These tags are entirely invisible to students and are not used for collaboration, unlike traditional groups. Tags can be assigned in bulk. Once tagged, instructors can use the new “Assign To Tags” functionality to assign modules, assignments, quizzes, discussions, and pages directly to specific groups of students. Read how to use Differentiated Tags in the Gradebook.
For more information, read a guide explaining the differences between tags, sections, and groups.
Surveys
Surveys are now available in Canvas, specifically in “New Quizzes,” which are used at George Mason. For more information, read How do I create a survey using New Quizzes?
Badging
A limited number of badges are available for instructors to award in their Canvas courses. Badges can be used to gamify a course. Read a guide on how to enable Parchment Badges.
SpeedGrader Updates
SpeedGrader enhancements include improved rubric display, streamlined section drop-down menu, and more. For more information, read Performance and Usability Upgrades for SpeedGrader. Read about releasing Grades and Feedback separately to students.