skip to main content
Caltech
Canvas

EdTech Updates

Read here for recent updates to the Canvas LMS environment, as well as other tools in the Caltech educational technology ecosystem

NEW Accessibility Checker

Caltech instructors and course builders now have access to the new Canvas course Accessibility Checker. Scan Pages and Assignments in your course with the Accessibility link in the Course Navigation Menu, and receive guided assistance to quickly remediate issues before student access to your course.

Google Workspace Storage Allocation Changes

As of January 1, 2026, Google is enforcing strict storage limits across the Google Workspace platform. Consequently, a storage allocation policy has been implemented in order to ensure equitable access for all Caltech users. Find information about this policy and what to do if you're using more than 50 GB on this IMSS News page.

If you use videos in your courses that are currently stored on your Caltech Google Drive, you can migrate that content to Canvas Studio, Instructure's collaborative media management platform integrated right in the Canvas LMS that allows you to reuse media in any Canvas course that you teach. Find our new Instructor Guide on our Canvas Studio page here.

Note that recorded class sessions from previous terms CANNOT be shared in other courses if they contain student images, names, or discussions, which is FERPA-protected information.

New Library Course Reserves Tool

eReserve Plus is the new library course management system. It offers a deeper integration with Canvas, streamlines the addition of course materials into your course, and provides you with complete control of the process.

  • Look for Library Course Reserves to access the new tool in your Canvas courses - the legacy Course Reserves tool was retired on 12/21/25.
  • Access the Library's eReserve Plus Guide for step-by-step instruction on adding your library course reserve materials. https://library.caltech.edu/eReservePlus
  • If you encounter any problems adding your library course materials, please do not hesitate to contact the Library at 626-395-3405 or email [email protected].

Digital Accessibility at Caltech

As part of Caltech's commitment to accessible electronic content, find guidelines, support, and resources, the Institute's Digital Accessibility Policy, and Canvas-specific accessibility tools to help ensure your sites are equally available for all individuals.

Caltech Canvas Course Index

The Caltech Canvas Course Index is now live! All courses are automatically included, making it easy to share your published Syllabus and course Description with prospective students and colleagues.

Dyslexia-Friendly Font Now Available

Caltech users can now convert all native Canvas text to the OpenDyslexic font by default. When enabled, this feature applies to system and user-generated content such as navigation menus, announcements, and assignments, but does not include uploaded files, videos, or external tools such as Piazza and Gradescope.

Click the Account tile in your upper left global navigation menu to toggle on the Use a Dyslexia Friendly Font option. Refresh the page to view changes.

Screenshot of User Account Tray with Dyslexia Font Toggle
Account Tray with Dyslexia Font Toggle

Canvas Update: Accessibility Improvement

To better support all users and meet accessibility standards, Canvas course links have been changed from orange to blue. This new color provides greater contrast for users with vision impairments.

For more information about accessibility options in Canvas, see /canvas-resources/accessibility

Duo Multi-factor Authentication for Canvas on 12/16/24

Starting December 16 at 8:00am, Duo multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be enabled for Canvas at Caltech to help prevent unauthorized access and keep data and accounts secure. 

All campus users have already been set up for MFA and will be able to select from multiple options, including the free Duo Mobile smartphone app. 

See this IMSS News announcement for additional information!

Access to Echo360 Recordings Ends November 1, 2024

As of November 1, links to recordings of courses, lectures, workshops, and events using the Echo360 lecture capture system are no longer available. Email [email protected] to inquire about specific recordings.

Gradescope LTI Updates in Canvas

The Gradescope application has been upgraded to the latest standard (LTI 1.3), with a number of enhancements in security and Canvas integration. Some important changes:

  • Assignment creation now starts in Canvas. Assignments created from Gradescope can no longer be linked back to Canvas.
  • Gradescope is now accessible in the Canvas Course Assignments 3-dot menu, allowing instructors to create linked assignments in one workflow.
  • Gradescope is now embedded within Canvas unless the box "open in a new window" is checked during set-up. If not selected, edit options may be unavailable.
  • TA roles in Canvas are now mapped as TA roles in Gradescope so TAs have the ability to help set up assignments.
  • Note that assignment dates in Canvas and Gradescope do not sync. If different dates are provided on each platform, priority will be given to the platform where students upload submissions. Vote to add this functionality to the Gradescope roadmap here.
  • Get started with the full instructor guide here.