Header image
We are excited to announce that Differentiation Tags is now Generally Available! Over the past several months, Differentiation Tags has grown into a more powerful, flexible, and intuitive tool that is ready to be used at scale—thanks in large part to the collaboration between our Canvas team, Early Adopter Program participants, and those who’ve explored the feature in Feature Preview.
Differentiation Tags tackle one of the biggest challenges instructors face: personalizing learning for every student. They make it simple to adapt instruction, communication, and grading to meet the unique needs of each learner—without adding unnecessary complexity.
Here are a few of the ways instructors can use Differentiation Tags to create more tailored learning experiences:
- Personalize learning experiences: Quickly assign learning materials or activities based on learning styles, academic needs, or interests to keep every student engaged.
- Track accommodations discreetly: Easily identify and meet required supports while maintaining student privacy.
- Streamline custom communication: Message specific groups of students directly from Inbox—for example, those needing extra help or enrichment—without notifying the entire class.
- Simplify grading workflows: Use tags instead of Groups for moderated grading when collaboration features aren’t required.
- Support compliance: Flag students or parents who have opted out of AI tools to ensure compliant workflows across courses.
Based on feedback from early testers, we’ve made several key refinements and updates, including:
- CSV Import and Template Downloads for efficient tag management in large courses.
Import Tags tray that shows options for template download, link to instructions, and a place to upload a selected file.
- Improved Tag Displays in the Tags Modal, Assignment Details, and Student Details Tray.
- Gradebook Filter for Tags for faster sorting.
Enhanced Gradebook filter list with Differentiation Tags highlighted
- Bulk Remove Tags and with new API support.
- SIS Import Support for institutions with automated workflows.
We’ve also removed the course-level feature flag as part of the October production release. Now, enabling Differentiation Tags only requires turning on the account setting—no additional steps needed. And while going GA is a milestone, it’s not the end of the road. We’re already evaluating what’s next, including the possibility of raising current Tag limits (40 Tags, 10 variants per Tag) with careful attention to performance and exploring what user or account level Differentiation Tags might look like.
To everyone who’s tested, shared feedback, or pushed us to think differently—thank you. You’ve helped us build something better together, and we’re excited to keep improving.
