Topics Map > Ed Tech Tools
Educational Technology Software Updates
Jump to:
Canvas Updates
04/19/2025 Release
New Canvas Media Player
Canvas is updating its Media Player, which is used to play video/audio files added via the Upload/Record Media tool in the Rich Content Editor (shown below).
Note: This update does not affect the video player used for My Media (Kaltura) videos.
New Look and Feel
New Player | Old Player |
---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
Adaptive Video Quality
In the new media player, instructors and students can now select Auto quality to automatically adjust the video's resolution based on available bandwidth, helping videos stream more smoothly on slower connections.
Custom Player Size
In the new player, when instructors upload or record a video through the Canvas Record/Upload Media tool, they can now specify a custom size for the embedded player, which controls how the video appears in Canvas.
Still No Auto-Captions
Note that the Canvas Media Player still does not generate automatic captions. If you need captions automatically generated, upload your audio and video files to My Media.
Resources
03/15/2025 Release
Discussions - Default View Settings
Instructors can configure a default Discussion view for themselves and their students.
- Default Thread State – Determines whether threads in a Discussion are expanded or collapsed when the Discussion opens.
- Expanded – The Discussion opens with expanded threads. Students can collapse threads unless Lock Thread State for Students is checked.
- Collapsed – The Discussion opens with collapsed threads. Students can expand threads unless Lock Thread State for Students is checked.
- Lock Thread State for Students – When checked, students cannot change their Discussion view from the Default Thread State.
- Default Sort Order – Determines the order in which the threads in a discussion are displayed.
- Oldest First – Threads display oldest first. Students can sort unless the lock is applied.
- Newest First – Threads display newest first. Students can sort unless the lock is applied.
- Lock Sort Order for Students – When checked, students cannot change the sort order.
11/16/2024 Release
Discussions - Multiple Due Dates (Checkpoints) DELAYED
IMPORTANT: Due to discovered bugs, Checkpoints release is pushed to 2025. Read about the delayed release.
Zoom Updates
01/2025 Release
Polls Can Be Shared
Meeting hosts can now access polls shared by others during a session.
- Log in to the Zoom portal.
- Select Surveys.
- Locate the survey to share.
- Click the dots and choose Share to.
Kaltura Updates
04/01/2025 Updates
Video Player Embed Problems
The Bug: Embedded My Media videos sometimes use the v2 player.
The Workaround: Follow this tutorial.
Updates Archive
Go to the Software Updates Archive to read past updates.