Recommendation SystemConsumer FacingVerified

UMass Amherst's Canvas course platform now includes an AI-powered search tool called Smart Search that helps students and instructors find relevant course materials more accurately. Unlike a standard keyword search, Smart Search understands the meaning of what you're looking for — so searching for "exam review" might surface a document titled "Test Preparation Guide" even if it doesn't contain the exact words you typed.

Details

Smart Search uses semantic algorithms — meaning it tries to understand the intent behind a search query rather than just matching exact words — to surface relevant course content including pages, assignment instructions, discussion prompts, and announcements. It was introduced as a feature preview in Canvas during Fall 2024, when UMass migrated fully to Canvas as its primary learning management system. It functions as an AI-based retrieval layer within the LMS, improving content discovery without changing how instructors design their courses.

Products affected

Canvas LMS

Sources & Evidence

Company Disclosure

Company DisclosureVerified

Fall 2024: Updates and New Features in Canvas

IDEAS, UMass Amherst·Aug 2024

https://www.umass.edu/ideas/news/fall-2024-updates-and-new-features-canvas

Other practices by University of Massachusetts Amherst

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