Overview
This guide explains how to create a graded Harmonize discussion in your Canvas course. Begin by viewing the video instructions below. Use the Table of Contents to navigate to written instructions for each section.
Creating a Graded Discussion in Canvas - Instructional Video
PLEASE NOTE: The video above outlines all steps needed to create a graded Harmonize Discussion.
The steps listed in the following sections are duplicative and designed to accommodate multiple
modalities of learning.
Skip to the section "Additional Discussion Settings" for information not covered in the
instructional video.
Creating Your Assignment
Your first step in creating your Harmonize discussion is adding a new assignment in Canvas. Here's how to do it:
- Within your course, navigate to Assignments and click the + Assignment button. This will open the Create New Assignment Page in Canvas.
- Give the assignment a name and set the appropriate number of points.
- Scroll down the page until you see Submission Type. In this section, select External Tool from the drop down menu.
- Under "Enter or find an External Tool URL", click Find.
- In the Configure External Tool dialogue that appears, click Harmonize Assignment.
- In the Link Resource from External Tool dialogue that appears, click Discussion.
- The dialogue window will close automatically and return you to the Configure External Tool dialogue.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not alter or remove the URL that appears in this window.
- Click the Select button.
- This dialogue window will close automatically.
- Scroll down the page until you see Assign. Set a Due Date for your discussion. This date is the final due date when all student work is due.
- Click the Save button located in the lower right corner of the page.
- Your graded Harmonize Discussion is now created and you will be redirected to the Harmonize Edit Topic page.
- If you need to revisit the Canvas assignment settings page, click the Edit Assignment Settings button located on the top right of the Canvas window.
Editing Your Harmonize Discussion
The Harmonize Edit Topic page consists of four main tabs: Instructions, Post Settings, Milestone Due Dates & Auto-Grading, and Student Facilitators. In this article we'll focus on the first three, but I will include links to help guides with more information on all four tabs.
Using Harmonize Brainstorm to Create Your Discussion Prompt
We’ve integrated ChatGPT into Harmonize and coupled it with sound pedagogy on what makes a good discussion prompt so you can write prompts more quickly and effectively. The instructional video at the top of this page touches on this feature and I've included an additional video below.
For even more information and step-by-step instructions, please see the following Harmonize Brainstorm help guide:
When using Harmonize Brainstorm, it's always a great idea to proofread the text and correct any mistakes you find. You are also free to add additional resources such videos or images to enrich your discussion prompt.
- Once your instructions are completed you are free to Save & Close the Harmonize Edit Topic page. You'll be able to publish the assignment in Canvas and your students will then be able to participate in your Harmonize discussion.
- However, if your Instructions require students to create multiple posts and comments, we highly recommend visiting the Milestones & Auto-Grading tab to set explicit participation requirements.
Setting Milestones (Multiple Due Dates) & Auto-Grading
Once your Instructions are written it's time to set your Milestone and participation Auto-Grading Settings. Please see the following links for more information on these features:
- Setting Milestones in Your Harmonize Discussion
- Setting Word Count Minimums for your Milestones
- Auto-Grading
- Configure your Milestones following the instructions in the articles above.
- Once you're finished, click the Save & Close button on the lower right of the Harmonize Edit Topic page. You've now successfully created your Harmonize discussion!
- When you're ready, publish the assignment in Canvas. Your students can now access and participate in the discussion.
Additional Discussion Settings: Plagiarism & AI Detection, Groups, and Student Facilitators
Would you like to learn about additional Harmonize features and settings such as enabling plagiarism & AI detection, setting up group discussions, or enabling Student Facilitators? Please see the links below for more information.
Post Settings
The Post Settings tab is where you'll enable your Turnitin integration and set up Group visibility. Outlining instructions here would make for a very long help guide, so I've instead provided links to additional guides that help explain these features:
Student Facilitators
Student Facilitation is a powerful tool for increasing engagement within your discussions and promote deeper learning for your students. Learn more about it here:
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