Canvas provides an integrated system for class Discussions, allowing both instructors and students to start and contribute to as many discussion topics as desired. Discussions can also be created as an assignment for grading purposes (and seamlessly integrated with the Canvas Gradebook), or simply serve as a forum for topical and current events. Discussions can also be created within student groups.

How to View and Sort Discussions:

Discussion replies are sorted newest to oldest by default; however, using the Discussion Toolbar in Discussion Redesign, you have several options to view and sort discussions:

Use the Search field [1] to search for replies or authors.
To filter discussion replies to All or Unread replies, select an option from the View drop-down menu [2].
To sort by date posted, click the Sort button [3].
To view threaded replies in a split screen sidebar, click the View Split Screen button [4].
To view threaded replies all at one, click the Expand Threads button [5].
Note: You can view how many total replies and unread replies are in a thread [6]: The number on the left indicates total replies, while the number on the right indicates the number of unread replies.

How to Subscribe to a Discussion:

Subscribing to a discussion allows you to follow the discussion by receiving notifications as set per your notification settings.

You are automatically subscribed to any discussions you create or reply to.
To subscribe to a discussion, click the Subscribe icon [7]. Discussions you have subscribed to will show an icon with a solid green background .
To unsubscribe to a discussion, click the Subscribe icon again. Discussions you are not subscribed to will show an icon with a black outline and no fill .
Note: The frequency and type of notifications for subscribed discussions can be changed in the Discussion Posts option within Notification Preferences:

discussion in notificpref-1.jpg

In this video, you will learn how to view, post, reply to, and like discussion posts with Discussion Redesign: