Students and Instructors
Grades – Access Quiz Feedback
This new feature allows learners to quickly access quiz attempt feedback from the Grades page.
Previously, learners could view quiz attempt feedback only in the Quizzes tool, depending on how the instructor configured the review process. This option remains available.
Media Library – New User Interface for Media Library
This release introduces a redesigned User Interface (UI) for Media Library, aligning it with the look and feel of other CourseLink tools. The updated interface allows instructors to manage media files more efficiently across multiple courses and content objects. Any change to a media file is automatically reflected in all courses it is added to, ensuring consistency and saving time.
All the functionality of the old Media Library still exists but is now presented in a modern way:
- The Add Assets button launches a dialog where users can upload new assets and record audio or video. It replaces the previous Upload and Record buttons.
- The Recycle Bin icon has been moved to the top-right corner. The updated interface now displays how long files will be stored before permanent deletion.
- The Source filter was removed from the Media Library due to lack of relevance.
CourseLink – University Brand Update
The University of Guelph logo will be updated to reflect the new brand guidelines provided by Communications & Marketing on April 25th on the default course template.
Instructors Only
Dropbox – Update to annotations software version
With this release, the software that powers annotations in the Dropbox tool is updated to the latest version, Nutrient 1.0.0 (formerly called PSPDFKit).
This version update resolves the following defects:
- WCAG/A11y layout issues in the Layout tool are now resolved. Previously, the options were not read by the NVDA screen reader.
- Cursor behavior now works as expected. Previously, the cursor would return to the start when typing notes in Annotations.
- All formatted annotation text in text boxes now saves correctly. Previously, italicized and bold text elements would not save.
- The annotations software no longer crashes on iPad OS versions 16 and below.
Additionally, minor UI updates are introduced in Nutrient 1.0.0. In the previous version of PSPDFKit, the following buttons displayed tooltips when hovering with a cursor:
- Next Page
- Previous Page
- Page Mode buttons
- Page Transition buttons
- Page Rotation buttons
The previous version also highlighted the Search button when clicked.
Now, in Nutrient 1.0.0, the buttons tooltips are removed, and the Search button no longer highlights when selected.
Dropbox and Discussions – Bulk feedback for instructors
This feature enables instructors to provide bulk feedback to learners directly within the Dropbox and Discussions submission pages, enhancing efficiency and user experience.
Key capabilities:
- Add and save bulk feedback as a draft if none exists.
- Update existing drafts or published evaluations for multiple learners simultaneously.
- Apply feedback to selected learners using Add Feedback or to all learners using Add Feedback to All.
- Display a warning message when saving an empty Feedback dialog as bulk feedback, as this action overwrites existing drafts or published evaluations.
Notes:
- Due to how Quizzes records attempts and completion summaries, bulk feedback is not supported for Quizzes
- The Grid View in Discussions does not support bulk feedback.
File Attachments with Bulk Feedback
When using bulk feedback in Dropbox or Discussions:
- CourseLink Editor includes the Insert Stuff functionality but does not support file uploads from My Computer. Instructors can insert links to YouTube videos or other external resources. These links are stored in Manage Files.
- Insert Image supports image file uploads from My Computer and the system stores them in Manage Files.
Quizzes – New Quiz Evaluation Experience transitioning to default, with opt-out until July 2025
Originally released for the Quizzes tool in September 2024, this update now turns on the new Quiz Evaluation Experience by default for all clients, promoting broader adoption while still allowing users to opt out until July 2025, at which time it will be made the default experience for all users.
This update streamlines the transition to the new Quiz Evaluation Experience, enhancing grading workflows and ensuring consistency while allowing clients to adjust settings before the opt-out option is removed.
Gradescope – Lockable Rubrics
Gradescope just released a new locking rubrics feature. It allows instructors to lock the rubric for their assignments to ensure no changes are made during grading.
Instructors can select to leave the rubric unlocked, only allow those with an Instructor role in the course to edit the rubric, or allow no one to edit the rubric.
Microsoft Teams Meetings LTI 1.3 Integration Removed
Microsoft is streamlining the LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) experiences for education users who may be using different Learning Management Systems (LMSs). Microsoft is simplifying onboarding and usage by consolidating the capabilities of multiple LTI tools available today into fewer and more functional tools.
What’s being removed?
The Microsoft Teams Meetings widget (homepages) and the Content > Existing Activities > External Learning Tools > Microsoft Teams Meetings link.
When this will happen:
All Microsoft Teams Meetings integrations will be removed April 25, 2025.
Will this affect existing meeting links?
No, if you have posted Microsoft Teams Meeting links in your course, they will continue to function.
Can I keep using Microsoft Teams links?
Yes! Posting Microsoft Teams links in Content or Announcements (or really anywhere) will continue to work as expected.
Contact
If you have any questions about the updates, please contact CourseLink Support at:
courselink@uoguelph.ca
519-824-4120 ext. 56939