Harmonize (Limited Pilot - FY27)

Harmonize is a Canvas-integrated discussion and collaboration platform designed to foster meaningful student engagement through multimedia discussions, social annotation, polling, and peer interaction. Harmonize extends the capabilities of Canvas Discussions by providing a modern, accessible, and interactive learning environment that supports deeper student participation and community building.  

As part of Yale’s pilot program, instructors can use Harmonize to create engaging discussion experiences that encourage thoughtful dialogue, collaboration, and active learning directly within Canvas.

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This page will address the following information:

Why use Harmonize?

Online discussions are most effective when students can communicate in ways that feel natural, interactive, and inclusive. Harmonize helps instructors move beyond traditional text-based discussion forums by enabling student contributions through video, audio, images, document annotation, polling, and collaborative engagement tools.  

Harmonize supports active learning by encouraging students to engage with course content and with one another more frequently throughout the learning process. Features such as milestones (multiple due dates), annotation activities, and engagement analytics help instructors promote meaningful participation while simplifying course facilitation and grading.  

Key Features of Harmonize 

  • Multimedia discussion posts including text, audio, video, and images
  • Image, video, and PDF annotation activities
  • Polls and Q&A boards
  • Multiple due dates (Milestones) to encourage ongoing participation
  • Canvas SpeedGrader integration
  • Canvas rubric integration
  • Turnitin integration for discussion submissions
  • Automated participation grading options
  • Accessibility features including automated video captioning
  • Engagement insights that help identify participation trends and students who may need support 

Use Cases for Harmonize

A non-exhaustive list of teaching applications for using Harmonize:

  • Facilitate engaging course discussions beyond traditional discussion boards
  • Create video or audio introductions that build community in online and hybrid courses
  • Conduct peer review activities with image, video, or PDF annotation
  • Support collaborative analysis of readings, media, or student work
  • Run polls and surveys to gather feedback or gauge understanding
  • Encourage ongoing student engagement through milestone-based discussions
  • Create instructor-led question-and-answer spaces
  • Foster more inclusive participation by providing multiple ways for students to express their ideas and perspectives  

How do I get started?

Faculty participating in the Harmonize pilot can add Harmonize activities directly within Canvas assignments.

To learn more about using Harmonize, please reference:

Additional training opportunities and support materials will be provided throughout the pilot period. For questions about participating in the pilot, contact the Educational Technology team at the Poorvu Center.

What will my students see?

Students access Harmonize directly from the Canvas course site and do not need a separate account or password. Harmonize activities appear as assignments within the course, allowing students to participate without leaving the Canvas environment. 

Within Harmonize, students may:
•    Create text, video, audio, or image-based responses
•    Participate in threaded discussions
•    Annotate PDFs, videos, and images
•    Complete polls and Q&A activities
•    Receive instructor feedback and grades
•    Track milestone deadlines and participation expectations 

Course Navigation menu with Harmonize highlighted with a red box around it.

Additional Resources

Migration Guides: 

Need Help?

For more help with Harmonize, please reach out!

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