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Piazza

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Piazza

Overview 

Piazza is a collaborative Q&A platform/wiki-style discussion board that integrates with Canvas, allowing students and instructors to manage class discussions efficiently. Instructors and TAs can endorse correct answers, post announcements, and manage participation.

Piazza supports real-time updates, LaTeX, anonymous posting, and polling, making it suitable for peer-driven support and class engagement. It’s especially effective in large or STEM-focused courses. The Piazza integration with Canvas but must be enabled manually in each course’s settings.

  • Enable through Canvas > Settings > Navigation.

  • Post and manage Q&A threads.

  • Endorse answers or clarify misinformation.

  • Schedule locking/unlocking of discussions.

  • View participation analytics to assess engagement.

  • Create polls for feedback or formative assessment.

  • Ask questions anonymously (to peers or instructors).

  • Answer and collaboratively edit peer responses.

  • Use LaTeX and code blocks.

  • Receive instructor feedback directly in threads.

  • Access via desktop or mobile.

  • Highly visual or media-rich discussions (limited media annotation tools).

  • Fully asynchronous discussions with grading rubrics (Canvas Discussions is stronger for formal discussions).

  • Piazza must be manually activated in each Canvas course.

  • Some premium features (advanced analytics, file exports) may require separate licensing—check with TLOS.

  • Not fully integrated into the Canvas SpeedGrader or gradebook.

  • Use as a class-wide Q&A to reduce repetitive emails.

  • Post weekly recap or exam prep discussion threads.

  • Enable anonymous posting to boost participation.

  • Assign TAs to monitor and guide discussions.

  • Incorporate polls to check understanding mid-week.

  • Compatible with screen readers.

  • Supports keyboard navigation.

  • Instructors should:

    • Add alt text for any shared images/files.

    • Review LaTeX content for accessibility.

    • Verbally clarify poll and visual data during synchronous sessions.

Piazza is available through Canvas. Students participate in discussions, ask and answer questions, and get instructor-endorsed support. Mobile apps allow real-time notifications and participation.

Resources

Piazza

Cost: Free (Basic License)

Licensing may be required for premium features—check with TLOS.

Status: Available

How to Access

Instructor: Via Canvas > Settings > Navigation > Enable Piazza 

Student: Piazza tab within Canvas (once enabled by instructor)

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