Using the IgniteAI Search for Courses in Canvas

Quick Links: | Prerequisites | Instructions | Troubleshooting |

IgniteAI Search allows students and instructors to search for content within an individual Canvas course. It uses AI and semantic search to understand the context of keywords and phrases, helping users find relevant course information without requiring exact wording.

IgniteAI Search was previously called Smart Search.

Prerequisites

  • Access to a Canvas course with IgniteAI Search feature enabled. 
  • Access to the content you are searching for within the course.

If IgniteAI Search does not appear in the course navigation, the feature may not be enabled for that course or may have been hidden from the course navigation menu.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To search for content within a Canvas course, do the following:

  1. From your Canvas course menu, select IgniteAI Search.

  2. Enter a keyword or phrase in the search field. You can search using individual keywords or natural-language phrases. For example:

    • “photosynthesis steps”
    • “late assignment policy”
    • “information about the final project”
  3. Select Search.
  4. Review the displayed results. Search results are based on the meaning and context of your query, so a result may appear even when it does not contain the exact words you entered.
  5. To narrow the results, select Filters. Select one or more content types, then select Apply. 
  6. Select a result to open the corresponding Canvas item. 

You can also use the Like or Dislike button to provide feedback about the relevance of the search results. When selecting Dislike, you may be prompted to provide additional feedback.

Searchable Content

IgniteAI Search currently searches the following types of course content:

  • Canvas pages
  • Announcements
  • Discussion prompts
  • Assignment descriptions

Search results depend on your role and the content available to you. Students should only receive results for course content they are permitted to access.

IgniteAI Search does not currently search:

  • Files uploaded to Canvas, including PDF and Word documents
  • Text contained within uploaded files
  • External websites or links
  • Video or audio content
  • Student assignment submissions
  • Discussion replies
  • Quiz questions or quiz content

Troubleshooting

  • IgniteAI Search does not appear in the course menu: The feature may not be enabled for the course, or the navigation link may have been hidden. Instructors can review the course navigation and feature settings. Students should contact their instructor if they believe the feature should be available.

  • Expected content does not appear: 

    • Confirm that the information is contained in a supported Canvas content type. IgniteAI Search does not search uploaded documents, videos, external links, discussion replies, or student submissions.

    • Try searching with a shorter keyword or a different phrase that describes the same concept.

  • Recently added content does not appear: New or updated course content may need time to be included in the search index. Try the search again later.

  • Results are not relevant: Try adjusting your search terms or using the Filters button to limit results by content type. You can also use the Like or Dislike controls to provide feedback about the results. When selecting Dislike, you may be prompted to provide additional feedback

For additional information, refer to Instructure’s guide, What is IgniteAI Search for Courses?

Still need help? If you run into problems or still need help, reach out to the Technology & Learning Program

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