What’s happening

Canvas – Customizable learner Dashboard

On August 15, we will enable a feature which allows learners to customize their Canvas dashboard, by adding, rearranging, or deleting certain widgets. For more, see How do I customize my Dashboard as a student?

Canvas – New Portfolio tool

Canvas has transitioned to a new Portfolio. For more information, refer to this Learn@UW KnowledgeBase news item, Legacy ePortfolio Transition to New Portfolio Tool. The legacy ePortfolio tool will be decommissioned on December 30, 2026.

DesignPLUS – QuickStart Wizard enabled

The DesignPLUS QuickStart Wizard has been enabled. This powerful tool allows content developers to rapidly create new pages in a Canvas course by providing direct access to templates and contact blocks. More information can be found in our DesignPLUS Getting Started KnowledgeBase article.

Atomic Assessments – Updated to LTI 1.3

On August 13, Atomic Assessments was updated to its LTI 1.3 standard. This new standard provides better reliability with student results. There are no noticeable changes in features and all existing assessments should function normally. If you encounter any issues, please reach out to the DoIT Help Desk.

Engage – eReader transition to VitalSource

Earlier this summer, the Engage eReader transitioned to a new product called VitalSource. Though functionality remains largely the same, both students and instructors should review the changes and become familiar with new features and workflows. To get started, refer to eReader Transition to VitalSource.

Learn@UW – Training blitz starts next Wednesday!

One final reminder: Learn@UW’s pre-semester tools training blitz begins next Wednesday, August 19, and stretches over two weeks. For details, see below, or visit UW-Madison’s Events Calendar. We hope to see you there!

Upcoming events

Learn@UW – Fall 2026 Training Blitz

Learn@UW is proud to present our Fall 2026 Training Blitz. Listed below are 29 sessions covering the most useful functions and features of several of the supported learning technologies. All sessions will be facilitated by your friendly Learn@UW team, remotely, via Zoom. The sessions are open to all UW-Madison faculty and staff. We look forward to seeing you there.

Canvas training

Canvas Fundamentals

• Wednesday, August 19, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 19, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 27, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Student Assessment in Canvas

• Thursday, August 20, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Thursday, August 20, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 27, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Managing the Canvas Gradebook

• Thursday, August 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Thursday, August 20, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, August 28, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Canvas – Things You Might Have Missed, Part 1

• Monday, August 24, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Monday, August 31, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Canvas – Things You Might Have Missed, Part 2

• Monday, August 24, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 1, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Canvas – Making Sure Your Course is Ready

• Tuesday, August 25, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 1, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Other tools training

Overview of Learn@UW Tools

• Wednesday, August 19, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
• Thursday, August 27, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Using Kaltura MediaSpace to Share Media in Canvas

• Friday, August 21, 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Friday, August 28, 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Fundamentals of Gradescope

• Friday, August 21, 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, August 28, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Using Zoom in Canvas

• Tuesday, August 25, 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Monday, August 31, 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Top Hat

• Tuesday, August 25, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Monday, August 31, 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Making Your Canvas Course Accessible with UDOIT & TidyUP

• Tuesday, August 25, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Monday, August 31, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Fundamentals of DesignPLUS

• Tuesday, August 25, 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Monday, August 31, 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.