The recent update on the CN allows instructor to monitor the learners activities using the Smartlink feature. Take for example, you can now monitor the activities of a download that you creates using the Smartlink.
As usual, you can upload a file for your students to download. Just select the text on your 'Edit Task' page, go to the Smartlink icon and choose the option of 'Upload a File for Students to Download'.
The moment your student downloaded the file that you have uploaded, there will be a count of downloads shown below.
Click on the count, and this will appear, a record of download activities by your students. With this, you will know who have downloaded and read the documents you want them to read.
Let me know what features you expect to have on the CN, Maybe I can show you the settings that allow you to create a better blended learning experience. Thank you.