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vishalsachdev

Canvas MCP Server

by vishalsachdev
OverviewSchemaRelated ServersScoreDiscussions
Python
Local

create_assignment

Create a new assignment in a Canvas course. Set name, due dates, grading type, points, submission types, and publishing options.

Instructions

Create a new assignment in a course.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nameYesAssignment name/title
due_atNoDue date in ISO 8601 format
lock_atNoLock date in ISO 8601 format
publishedNoWhether to publish immediately (default: False)
unlock_atNoAvailable date in ISO 8601 format
descriptionNoHTML description
grading_typeNoOne of: points, letter_grade, pass_fail, percent, not_graded
peer_reviewsNoEnable peer reviews
points_possibleNoMaximum points
submission_typesNoComma-separated types (online_text_entry, online_url, online_upload, discussion_topic, none, on_paper, external_tool)
course_identifierYesCourse code or Canvas ID
allowed_extensionsNoComma-separated file extensions (e.g., "pdf,docx,txt")
assignment_group_idNoAssignment group ID
automatic_peer_reviewsNoAuto-assign peer reviews

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv1.10.0
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -{
-  "properties": {
-    "result": {
-      "type": "string"
-    }
-  },
-  "required": [
-    "result"
-  ],
-  "type": "object",
-  "x-fastmcp-wrap-result": true
-}New value: +null
  2. Changed33 schema fields changedv1.8.0
    • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
      Added value: +false
    • addedInput schema / properties / allowed_extensions / description
      Added value: +"Comma-separated file extensions (e.g., \"pdf,docx,txt\")"
    • removedInput schema / properties / allowed_extensions / title
      Removed value: -"Allowed Extensions"
    • addedInput schema / properties / assignment_group_id / description
      Added value: +"Assignment group ID"
    • removedInput schema / properties / assignment_group_id / title
      Removed value: -"Assignment Group Id"
    • addedInput schema / properties / automatic_peer_reviews / description
      Added value: +"Auto-assign peer reviews"
    • removedInput schema / properties / automatic_peer_reviews / title
      Removed value: -"Automatic Peer Reviews"
    • addedInput schema / properties / course_identifier / description
      Added value: +"Course code or Canvas ID"
    • removedInput schema / properties / course_identifier / title
      Removed value: -"Course Identifier"
    • addedInput schema / properties / description / description
      Added value: +"HTML description"
    • removedInput schema / properties / description / title
      Removed value: -"Description"
    • addedInput schema / properties / due_at / description
      Added value: +"Due date in ISO 8601 format"
    • removedInput schema / properties / due_at / title
      Removed value: -"Due At"
    • addedInput schema / properties / grading_type / description
      Added value: +"One of: points, letter_grade, pass_fail, percent, not_graded"
    • removedInput schema / properties / grading_type / title
      Removed value: -"Grading Type"
    • addedInput schema / properties / lock_at / description
      Added value: +"Lock date in ISO 8601 format"
    • removedInput schema / properties / lock_at / title
      Removed value: -"Lock At"
    • addedInput schema / properties / name / description
      Added value: +"Assignment name/title"
    • removedInput schema / properties / name / title
      Removed value: -"Name"
    • addedInput schema / properties / peer_reviews / description
      Added value: +"Enable peer reviews"
    • removedInput schema / properties / peer_reviews / title
      Removed value: -"Peer Reviews"
    • addedInput schema / properties / points_possible / description
      Added value: +"Maximum points"
    • removedInput schema / properties / points_possible / title
      Removed value: -"Points Possible"
    • addedInput schema / properties / published / description
      Added value: +"Whether to publish immediately (default: False)"
    • removedInput schema / properties / published / title
      Removed value: -"Published"
    • addedInput schema / properties / submission_types / description
      Added value: +"Comma-separated types (online_text_entry, online_url, online_upload, discussion_topic, none, on_paper, external_tool)"
    • removedInput schema / properties / submission_types / title
      Removed value: -"Submission Types"
    • addedInput schema / properties / unlock_at / description
      Added value: +"Available date in ISO 8601 format"
    • removedInput schema / properties / unlock_at / title
      Removed value: -"Unlock At"
    • removedInput schema / title
      Removed value: -"create_assignmentArguments"
    • removedOutput schema / properties / result / title
      Removed value: -"Result"
    • removedOutput schema / title
      Removed value: -"create_assignmentOutput"
    • addedOutput schema / x-fastmcp-wrap-result
      Added value: +true
  3. Addedv1.3.0

TDQS

B3/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The annotations indicate idempotentHint=false and destructiveHint=false, but the description adds no further behavioral context such as side effects, permission requirements, or consequences of duplicate calls. It simply states the action without elaborating on what happens upon creation.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, clear sentence with no unnecessary words. It is well-structured and directly to the point, making it easy to parse.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's complexity (14 parameters, many optional), the description does not explain the effects of omitted parameters, default behaviors, or how the assignment interacts with other course elements. It lacks context about the impact of setting fields like 'published' or 'grading_type', leaving the user without enough information to anticipate outcomes.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema provides descriptions for all 14 parameters (100% coverage), so the baseline is 3. The tool description does not add any clarification beyond the schema's own terse parameter descriptions, leaving the meaning of fields like 'assignment_group_id' or 'allowed_extensions' to the user's interpretation.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action: 'Create a new assignment in a course.' It specifies the resource (assignment) and the context (course), distinguishing it from other tools like 'update_assignment' or 'create_discussion_topic'.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines1/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'update_assignment' or 'create_announcement'. It does not mention any prerequisites, typical scenarios, or conditions that would make this the appropriate choice.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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