Tests & Assignments
Anonymous discussions: New privilege to reveal author – 3900.112
Impact: All users
Updated Help Topic: Create Discussions (Instructor), Discussions (Student)
Idea Exchange ID: LEARNU-I-4139
All users
System administrators or other users with the assigned system role privilege can now reveal the identity of the author of an anonymous discussion post or reply. This enhancement addresses instances where the anonymous feature is misused, such as bullying or other inappropriate behavior. Instructors can create anonymous discussions with confidence that any misuse can be quickly resolved.
Instructors and students
There’s now a warning that informs users that their identity can be revealed by an authorized user.
Image 1. The new warning is associated with the Post anonymously option.
Administrators
System administrators or other users with the assigned system role privilege can reveal the author of an anonymous discussion post or reply. Select the More options menu for a post, then select Reveal author. Administrators or other users with the assigned system role privilege must provide a reason for the anonymous reveal. There’s no indication for other readers of the discussion that the administrator revealed the author's user details.
Due to the sensitive nature of this action, the administrator’s user details are recorded in the system log with the reason. The information in the system log includes:
- Date of reveal
- Time of reveal
- Username of user requesting
- Course Name of revealed post/posts
- Discussion Name of revealed post/posts
- Reason given
If the administrator refreshes the page, the user is once again anonymous.
Image 2. From the administrator’s view, the user’s name is included with text that reads “Revealed.”
Availability: Available for all Ultra courses.
Activation: None needed.
Configuration: System Administrators are the only users who can reveal anonymous authors by default. The privilege can be assigned to other system roles if more extensive use is required. To access this privilege, go to the Administrator Panel. Select System Roles. Go to the Course/Organization Outline section. In Discussions, select the privilege for Reveal Anonymous Author.