Aware Updates 1/12/26

Assessments  

• We’ve updated how Text-to-Speech reads content clarifiers added to resources. Teachers can have all instances of a content clarifier read aloud, rather than having the support only read the first instance.

LockDown Browser

• Refreshing the browser no longer results in an error that kicks students out and allows them to open tabs. Instead, students are kept within LockDown Browser on a refresh.

• We’ve fixed a calculator issue when it is used within LockDown Browser. The calculator should no longer get stuck if a user drags it to the top of the screen.

• We’ve mitigated the risk of students bypassing LockDown Browser on Chromebooks using a specific test URL and testing outside of the secured environment. A warning now appears requiring the test to be completed in full-screen mode in LockDown Browser.

• Attempts to leave an active test in LockDown Browser using a four-finger swipe or a similar method result in the test being forcibly submitted. Before submission, students can see a warning message that an attempt to leave the browser was detected, which isn’t permitted. Automatically submitting the test eliminates cheating attempts, which teachers can then review and take appropriate action.

Online Testing

If students have a save pending for their constructed response answers, the Review & Score button remains grayed out. This prevents students from submitting their tests prematurely before the final answers are saved and committed. 

Read more.

Canvas Updates

Release Notes 3.21.26

• Accessibility Checker: AI Generated Alt Text - In the course Accessibility Checker, AI Generated text for missing image alt text can be generated. 

Release Notes 2.21.26

• Course Accessibility Checker (video)

• Survey Results Visibility - In New Quizzes Survey Reports, instructors can click the response count to view a list of students who selected a specific answer. 

• Export Survey Responses - Instructors can export survey responses to a CSV file. 

12 Ways to Use Cues to Boost Students’ Effort in the Classroom 

Teachers can use these research-based cognitive and behavioral cues to help students feel capable, focused, and ready to work, even when tasks are challenging. These procedures work well in all schools, including high school environments!

Edutopia 3/12/26

Reach out if you would like to talk through what any of these strategies might look like in your classroom!