Simplified Workflows with G Suite
We have simplified the workflow for adding Google resources to itslearning. Select Google Drive and add files you can edit, but do not own. This includes files from your Team Drive (when your organization has connected the G Suite domain to itslearning) or resources that are ‘Shared with me’.
- When teachers add a file from Google Drive we no longer upload it to itslearning, but keep it on Google Drive so it can be shown in Google’s file viewer. If you have editing permissions you can update documents directly from itslearning. This will speed up working with G Suite resources for all our users.
- For our Chromebook customers when you upload a file, it will default to G Suite, saving you time when working with G Suite resources. This is only if your organization has chosen to turn off other cloud solutions such as DropBox or Microsoft OneDrive, otherwise, these will remain options.
Since the last itslearning release, we have launched two apps for Google:
- G Suite marketplace app to connect your G Suite domain to itslearning.
- Google web store app for Chromebooks that automatically log you into itslearning when using a Chromebook.
These apps can be found on Google Marketplace
The automatic log on to itslearning saves a lot of time for teachers and students during class as they can start working in the itslearning platform as soon as they open their Chromebooks.
Increased flexibility in the registration tool
If the teacher has allowed editing, students can now not only edit, but also remove their choices in our registration tool. This way they can free up seats or resources they are not going to use.
We have also increased the limit for number of options, so it is no longer restricted to 20. The registration can be used as part of a learning path.
Learning Paths improvements
To improve how we handle registrations in Learning Paths, students now need to register their choice before they can continue. We also added a maximum number of steps to the Learning Path. When there are 30 steps, it is no longer possible to add more.
We have done this to ensure good performance when students work through the path.
Enhanced security on email change
When you change or add an email address in your settings, we will send you an email to confirm that this address belongs to you. This will not apply when the information is sourced from an SIS or updated by the administrator, but you will still receive an email to your previous address to let you know that the administrator has changed your email address.
Task Tool File View Updates
The task tool has been improved to be more consistent with the way we handle files in the Assignment tool. This makes it clearer and easier to use. The “eye” icon is gone, and each file has a small menu with all available actions. Clicking on the file will open it for viewing in a new tab if supported.
Automatic creation of course groups
We have been piloting a feature to assist teachers when creating class/course groups. You can randomize your students into groups and use these groups in your planning and for assignments or other activities. The teacher can decide to either distribute the students evenly based on a maximum number of groups or determine the maximum number of students in each group. This can save time when working with large course groups.
Search for course resources
To make it easier for users to find a resource, we are now introducing search for course resources. Users will find a clickable drop-down list displaying their search results. This will be very helpful in courses with lots of resources.
Improvements to assignments
We have added clearer messages so students are aware when the assignments use plagiarism control and/or anonymous assessment. Better use of color informs students at a glance if the deadline has passed, when they can no longer submit their answer or when it will be marked as late. We have also made the status easier to read ((e.g. not submitted, submitted). There is better support for viewing PDF files for our customers using the built-in Microsoft Office tools. If your organization uses these we will now show PDF files in the Office document viewer in the browser.
SHA-256 support for LTI links
The IMS Global Organization has decided to depreciate the use of SHA-1 in the Learning Tools Interoperability® and OneRoster® standard by January 1st, 2020 and replaced it with a more robust hashing system (SHA-256). From this release, itslearning supports SHA-256 for LTI links so administrators can configure them to use the newer security system. As some LTI partners/tools may not yet support SHA-256, we will continue to support both through 2019 to allow time for the crossover.
Contact your local support team if you have any questions.
Other updates
Calendar
It is now easier to distinguish between pedagogical resources and physical resources you can book. We have changed the terminology for resource booking.
We are now using the term “Book rooms and equipment” to describe all physical resources.
Customers piloting Test 3.0
Teachers can try out the tests as students would see them. This allows improvements to be made and tried out before releasing to students.
Users of Gradebook+
It is now easier to see overdue submissions in the Gradebook grid.
We have added support for SIS grade transfer so users of the existing Gradebook can now be upgraded to Gradebook+. Our local teams will work with customers on this move.
Storage report issue fixed
We have now fixed the storage report so the bar charts are scaling properly to match the values for ‘organization’ and ‘projects & courses’.
We have also cleaned up the display of numbers, rounding to 2 decimal places across the report.