What is Ed Discussion?
Ed Discussion is an online discussion platform for classes of any side or modality. It is ideal for open, informal, student-initiated discussions about assignments, materials, schedules, and policies. Key features include multimedia posts, image annotation, LaTeX for mathematical expressions, and runnable code snippets compatible with various programming languages, making it a powerful tool for collaborative and interactive learning across disciplines.
Ed Discussion is FERPA-compliant (i.e., it keeps student data private) and integrates with the Canvas roster, making it easy to enroll students automatically. Additionally, the mobile-friendly web app allows students to participate from anywhere.
For graded discussions, we recommend using Canvas Discussions.
What is Ed Discussion good for?
Ed Discussion is an excellent tool for promoting community, open communication, and collaborative learning by centralizing class discussions and encouraging peer-to-peer engagement. It allows students to ask and answer each other’s questions and keeps all course related questions, answers and discussions organized, visible to all and easily accessible.
- All questions and answers are visible: Reduce inbox overload. You can answer a question once, and all students will see it.
- Peer learning: Encourages students to ask and answer questions, promoting active engagement and deeper understanding. Instructors can endorse student responses, helping guide students toward reliable information.
- Anonymous posting (optional): Supports equity by allowing students to post anonymously, encouraging wider participation from those who may feel hesitant to ask questions in class.
- Asynchronous polling: Create polls to gauge student opinions or feelings.
How to get started
add Ed Discussion to your Canvas course by enabling it in your course navigation (follow this guide on customizing your course navigation). Once added, click on Ed Discussion to set up your course.
Key Resources
- Ed Help: getting started guides and resources for instructors and students
- How to download the web app to your mobile device
- UCSC ITS Ed Discussion page
Technical Support
Visit Instructional Technology office hours or email tlc@ucsc.edu to schedule a consultation.
- UCSC ITS Support: instructionaltech@ucsc.edu (opens a ticket with ITS) or call 459-HELP (4357)
- Vendor Support: support@edstem.org