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AI Functionality in UWM's Ed Tech Tools

The following document summarizes the AI features available in educational technology tools currently licensed at UWM, including Canvas, Zoom, and others.

 

Canvas

AI Functionality in Canvas

AI Features Available with Canvas

Feature

Summary

Availability

Free or Extra Cost

Notes

IgniteAI 

Announced 07/23/2025

Embeds OpenAI’s technology directly within the Canvas learning environment.

IgniteAI is a built‑in Canvas feature that uses smart AI to make common teaching tasks faster and easier. 

AI capabilities include support for automating content creation and remediation, streamlining grading and feedback, and building educator and learner AI skills with novel AI assignments. Automated remediation analyzes student performance data to suggest targeted remediation plans

From Instructure’s press release:

LLM-Enabled Assignment - …educators create a custom GPT-like experience within Canvas. Teachers can define how AI interacts with students, set specific learning goals and objectives and determine what evidence of learning it should track.

…allows students to have rich, casual and interactive conversations in a ChatGPT-like environment

Through this tool, when students submit their assignments, teachers gain a high-level view of overall progress, key learning indicators and potential gaps, each supported by clear evidence. They can then dive into specific indicators to see exactly where and how a student demonstrated the required understanding in the conversation.

Available Now

Extra cost

UWM does not have this.

Press release for IgniteAI

Press release about IgniteAI and Instructure partnership

Smart Search

Semantic, vector‑based search across Canvas content

Available Now

Free

Currently turned off at UWM and Universities of Wisconsin because our instance of Canvas already has the third-party search tool,  Atomic Search, integrated with Canvas.

Discussion Summaries

Generates concise overviews of discussion threads for instructors.

Provides summaries of key points, questions, and ideas in a discussion thread. Available for instructors, not students.

Available Now

Free

Available but off by default in Canvas courses at UWM.

To enable for a course: go to Settings > Feature Options > Discussion Summary and click Enabled.

Gemini LTI Integration

Google’s Gemini AI for lesson planning & ideation (LTI)

Available Now

Free*

Not available at UWM because UWM does not have a Workspace for Education account.

From Instructure: Any customer with a Workspace for Education account (even the free one) can use the Gemini app (chatbot at gemini.google.com) and Gemini LTI. They do not need to pay to use gemini.google.com or Gemini LTI. However, if customers want to get the power of Gemini within Workspace (i.e., Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.), they need to purchase Gemini Education. See here for the details of the add-on and what that unlocks for them.

TimelyGrader

AI-generated rubric creation based on assignment content and outcomes and AI‑assisted grading suggestions in SpeedGrader.

Available Now

Extra cost

UWM does not have this.

Inbox and Discussion Translation

Real‑time AI translations in Discussions & Inbox

Delayed indefinitely

Free

UWM does not have this.

When the Course AI Translation feature option is enabled, instructors and students can use AI-supported translations to translate text with Discussions and Announcements.

Watch Instructure's Video on Inbox and Discussion Translation 

Latest updates on the Translations feature

Administrator
Intelligent Insights 

Conversational analytics queries against Canvas data (admin only)

Available Now

Extra cost

UWM does not have this.

Teacher‑Facing Intelligent Insights

Instructors query engagement metrics & receive predictive alerts.

The features of Intelligent Insights are:

  • Ask Your Data
  • Students in Need of Attention
  • Course Readiness.

Planned Q4 2025

Extra cost

UWM does not have this.

Expanded IgniteAI Workflows

Scenario‑based AI assignments & advanced remediation options

Planned Q4 2025

Extra cost

UWM does not have this.

Canvas Career

AI‑driven workforce training platform (skills‑first)

Canvas Career was built specifically for non-credit, continuing education and workforce development programs where speed, relevance and measurable impact are critical. With Canvas Career, organizations are able to:

  • Reach new learner populations, including working adults, career switchers and employer-sponsored learners
  • Build and adapt content quickly with AI-powered tools Launch industry-aligned programs, including short courses and skills-based learning programs, to meet evolving market demands
  • Deliver learning flexibly with self-paced, mobile-first programs
  • Gain real-time visibility into skill development, learner progress and program outcomes
  • Connect training to organizational goals with customer relationship management (CRM) and human resources information system (HRIS) integrations

Planned Q1 2026

Extra cost

UWM does not have this.



Zoom

AI Functionality in Zoom

The AI functionality available in Zoom is branded as Zoom AI Companion.

What Is Zoom AI Companion?

Zoom AI Companion is a set of generative AI features in Zoom that are designed to make your meetings more productive and interactive. 

What Zoom AI Companion Features Are Available at UWM?

Is Zoom AI Companion Enabled in My Zoom Account?

Zoom’s AI Companion features are turned off by default in your Zoom user settings.

To use the Zoom AI Companion features, you must first enable them in your Zoom User settings. See the following for instructions:

How Does Zoom AI Companion Handle My Data?

Refer to Zoom’s documentation on how AI Companion handles your data.

 



Keywords:
The following document lists AI functions and features that are available in the ed tech tools that are licensed at UWM. 
Doc ID:
154052
Owned by:
Katherine P. in CETL
Created:
2025-08-07
Updated:
2025-08-07
Sites:
UW-Milwaukee Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning