EdTech Updates

Here you can keep up-to-date on the latest changes made to instructional tools at UC San Diego.

Recent Updates

June 26, 2024: Added "Stitch" Functionality to Kaltura Media

EdTech recently enabled a new Kaltura feature that allows users to stitch media together. What this means is that users can join together two or more pieces of media. The functionality is accessed either through the "Add New" menu in "My Media" (Canvas) or in the "Create" menu in MediaSpace. The interface is very similar to what you'd use if you created a playlist, and you can stitch together any media for which you're either an owner or a co-editor.

Do note that the stitch functionality is still somewhat limited, insofar as you can only connect entries from end to end. You aren't able to "splice" or "insert" media inside of other media. You can only attach them at the ends.

Interested in learning how to use the stitch functionality? Check out our knowledge base article "Stitch Together Kaltura Media." If you have any questions about the new stitch feature or anything else Kaltura-related, reach out to kaltura@ucsd.edu.

June 17, 2024: Kaltura-Canvas Integration Upgraded From LTI 1.1 to 1.3

EdTech has recently upgraded our Canvas-Kaltura integration from LTI 1.1 to LTI 1.3. While not offering any visible changes, this upgrade enhances the security and functionality of the integration, offering improved data privacy and greater stability.

Wondering what the heck this means? Well, an LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) integration allows different educational tools and platforms to work together seamlessly within Canvas, enabling them to essentially "speak the same language." So LTIs allow you to easily access and use external resources (such as your Kaltura Media) directly within Canvas without needing separate logins or some sort of separate setup. LTI integrations create a more efficient and elegant experience for both instructors and students by keeping everything in one place.

Upgrading our Kaltura-Canvas LTI is kind of like upgrading the operating system on your computer: it just kind of keeps everything up-to-date and ensures we're running the latest version of the software.

Of note:

• Users can now embed videos within Canvas groups. Previously users encountered errors if they attempted to embed videos within groups in Canvas. This issue is resolved in LTI 1.3.
• This upgrade has not yet resolved the unreliability of integrated in-video quizzes. Canvas instructors are able to create a Canvas assignment that leverages an existing Kaltura in-video quiz and reports grades back to the gradebook. We've found this to be extremely unreliable, insofar as the grades make it to the gradebook inconsistently. (The submissions are nearly always recorded in the video's analytics, however.) We continue to advise against the use of in-video quizzes for summative assessments and encourage instructors to use them only for formative assessments.

June 14, 2024: Kaltura Media Player Upgrade (MediaSpace Only)

EdTech has upgraded the media player within MediaSpace, the standalone site that Kaltura provides to help UC San Diego community members manage multimedia content. For instructors unfamiliar with MediaSpace, you see the same media repository ("My Media") that you do in Canvas, and you can use it to gather your media into channels and share your media with folks outside of the university. The new player is nicer-looking and more stable.

Want to see what the new player looks like? Play the video below and play around with its features.

Of note:

• Kaltura will no longer support the old player beginning in October 2024. This is only relevant to users who have grabbed external embed codes from MediaSpace (for the purpose of embedding Kaltura videos on external websites). We strongly recommend that you re-embed your videos using the new player. For instructions, read our KBA on how to find an embed code.
• Ad blocker detection is now available. While this feature isn't enabled in the majority of players used in MediaSpace, there is an option to detect if the user has an ad blocker active in their browser. This is arguably more relevant for Canvas users, since ad blockers can interfere with video quiz submissions. This feature, then, is only active for quiz players in MediaSpace.
• We plan on upgrading the player in Canvas on August 2, 2024. Kaltura has created a page that allows you to see a side-by-side view of the old and new player, in case you're interested.

Any questions or concerns about videos in Canvas or MediaSpace? Contact us at kaltura@ucsd.edu.