What You Need to Know

At first glance, D2L and Canvas discussions appear dissimilar, but in fact share many of the same functionalities. Both allow for graded discussions. Both include the ability for group discussions and, in fact, groups discussions in Canvas allow students a great deal of independence. Both learning management systems allow for attached rubrics with graded discussions.

However, there are some differences too:

• D2L - There are forums, topics and threads. Instructors can create forums and topics, while students can create and reply to threads.

• Canvas - There are topics and threads. By default, only instructors can create topics and students can only reply to the topics and threads. If you would like students to be able to create topics, you can also enable that functionality by choosing student settings for Discussions.
  
  Unless otherwise specified, the discussion defaults to two layers of nesting. What this means is a student can respond to a topic and others can comment on his or her responses. No one can respond to a comment. To allow for a more robust discussion, you can select the "allow threaded replies" checkbox when creating your Discussion topic.  This allows users to comment on all responses and replies. 
  
  For more information on the different discussion options, see What is the difference between threaded and focused Discussions?

Our Recommendation

Re-create your discussions within Canvas.  

Other Options

• Import Discussions - Note that all D2L discussions import as the default discussion type in Canvas (e.g., two layers of nesting). Also, be aware that Group Discussions will import into Canvas as course discussions and be available for all students. 

• When might I do this? It may be useful to import discussions if you have many ungraded, short discussions topics. 

What You Need to Know

There's a lot to love with Canvas' Group functionality, which makes it easier than ever to have students collaborate on a group project.

Each group has a specific section within the Canvas course dedicated to their group collaboration. The Group section is like a "mini-course" within the course. It allows students to post announcements, share files, set up pages, and post discussions.

As an instructor, you can set up the group areas for students, or let them arrange things themselves.  If you set up the group areas, be sure to notice when you are working in a group area and when you are working in the main course.  The "breadcrumbs" at the top of the page are a good indicator.

Notes about Group Discussions

Instructors will see all group discussions listed in the main course Discussions area. Clicking on a discussion will take you into that group's site. From there, you can navigate between group sites. Like in D2L, students will only see discussions and sites for groups in which they are a member.

Our Recommendation

Groups do not import from D2L to Canvas. You will need to recreate your groups within Canvas. See Groups for more details.