Introduction

There's a new style of Discussions on Canvas, as of June 2021. (Summer 2021, between Session A and Session B).

In summary: Canvas describes these changes as "The Discussions Redesign project displays discussion topics with an updated design and small usability enhancements. These changes ensure page responsiveness and prepare the interface for feature functionality improvements."

This new redesign is now the default for Canvas classes. However, teachers can turn this feature off in the "Settings" section of the page.

Revert to Old Version

You can switch to the original version by going to a class then to "Settings" then "Feature Options" and on the "Discussion Redesign" line, click the green checkmark to change it to "Disabled."

More Details

Here's a description of what's new, from Canvas:

Discussions Redesign

Included in the June 2021 Canvas Release

The Discussions Redesign project displays discussion topics with an updated design and small usability enhancements. These changes ensure page responsiveness and prepare the interface for feature functionality improvements.

For individual discussion topics, the interface has been expanded for maximum space and ensures responsive views.

The following modifications have been made to the page:

• The toolbar has been moved to the top of the discussion thread.

• Newest replies display at the top of the first page instead of the bottom of the last page.

• Users can sort replies from newest to oldest, or oldest to newest.

• Users can also quickly move to the top of the discussion topic at any time.

In the discussion menu, reply posts can be marked as read or unread.

See complete details at https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-New-Feature-Screencast/Discussions-Discussions-Redesign-2021-06-19-Release-Screencast/ta-p/465266