As artificial intelligence capabilities are increasingly incorporated into educational technologies, IT&A is committed to maintaining transparency regarding these features, their evaluation processes, implementation plans, and available resources. This approach is intended to assist faculty in making informed decisions about whether to further investigate or utilize these tools.
IgniteAI is Canvas’ integrated artificial intelligence platform, designed to bring reliable, transparent AI directly into the Canvas ecosystem. The platform consists of multiple features embedded in current Canvas tools, such as Rubrics, Discussions, and Announcements, as well as new AI-specific tools, such as IgniteAI Search and the IgniteAI Agent.
FAQs about IgniteAI:
- Are the IgniteAI features turned on by default?
No, they are not. The features are simply available for users to decide if and how they would like to use them in their classes. To turn them on in a course, go to Settings --> Feature Options --> Locate the desired IgniteAI option --> Click the red circle with the x, and choose Enabled from the drop-down menu. The setting will turn to a green checkmark. - What does IgniteAI do?
IgniteAI is the umbrella term given to a variety of features being unveiled by Canvas’ parent company, Instructure. The features offer assistance with a multitude of tasks, including but not limited to question creation, translation of messages for multi-lingual support, building rubric criteria, and gradebook analytics. - Have the IgniteAI features been vetted by IT&A?
All of the features in the IgniteAI suite have been vetted by IT&A. This means that they meet existing contract requirements that IC has with Instructure. IT&A uses the same review that is used for all third-party tool requests as well as recommendations in this gen-AI article. The main areas of review include Compliance for Data Handling, Technical Overview, Permissions & Security Risks, and License Agreements. - Can I try IgniteAI features in a space outside of my active classes?
Yes, each faculty member has access to a Canvas “sandbox” course. It is possible to try out IgniteAI features in that course. - How can I explain the use of IgniteAI to my students?
It is recommended that faculty be transparent with students about the use of artificial intelligence tools and approved AI features in Canvas. - Are we running IgniteAI on a trial basis with Instructure?
Currently, there is no additional cost for the use of Canvas’ Core IgniteAI features that are available in the Ithaca College Canvas environment. However, if this does change, IT&A will evaluate the benefits and costs to the campus, with input from ETAC, before making an informed proposal about whether to pursue continuation of the features. This is the same process used for the evaluation of all educational technology software at IC.