Canvas Course Audit

Canvas Course Audit

Systematically evaluate a Canvas course against 46 evidence-based learning design principles organized into four pillars.

Prerequisites

• canvas-mcp server must be configured and running
• User must have instructor/TA/admin access to the target course
• Principles file: ~/.claude/skills/learning-design-pillars/principles/learning-design-pillars.yaml

Workflow

Step 1: Initialize

1. Parse course identifier from user input
2. Load principles from the YAML file
3. Verify course access via get_course_details

Step 2: Fetch Course Data

Use canvas-mcp to gather:

• get_course_details — metadata, syllabus
• list_modules — structure, item counts, prerequisites
• list_assignments — types, rubrics, due dates
• list_discussion_topics — engagement elements
• list_pages — content, headings, media
• list_course_files — media inventory

Step 3: Analyze Against Each Pillar

Pillar 1: Clear, Purposeful Structure (1.1-1.4)

• Modules have 5-10 items each (not overloaded)
• Consistent naming pattern (e.g., "Week 1: Topic")
• Each module has overview/summary pages
• Learning objectives visible in module descriptions
• Prerequisites configured where needed
• Logical progression from foundational to advanced

Pillar 2: Active, Engaging Learning Content (2.1-2.4)

• Videos embedded (not just linked)
• Videos exist per content module
• Pages use heading hierarchy (H1/H2/H3)
• Images have alt text
• Key terms bolded/highlighted
• Discussions exist beyond announcements

Pillar 3: Continuous Practice & Feedback (3.1-3.3)

• Practice quizzes exist (ungraded/unlimited attempts)
• Assignment types vary (papers, projects, presentations)
• Rubrics attached to assignments
• Peer review enabled on at least one assignment
• Feedback turnaround expectations stated

Pillar 4: Simple, Intuitive UX (4.1-4.3)

• Unused navigation items hidden
• Home page provides clear starting point
• Module requirements enable progress tracking
• External links clearly marked
• Time estimates provided for activities

For detailed weighted criteria per pillar, see references/audit-criteria.md.

Step 4: Calculate Pillar Scores

Score each pillar 1-5:

Formula: Pillar Score = (criteria_met / total_criteria) * 5

Step 5: Generate Report

Output this structure:

# Canvas Course Audit Report

**Course:** [Name] ([Code])
**Audit Date:** [Date]
**Overall Score:** [Average of 4 pillars] / 5

## Executive Summary
[2-3 sentences: strengths + primary improvement areas]

## Pillar Scores
| Pillar | Score | Status |
|--------|-------|--------|
| 1. Clear Structure | X.X/5 | [Status] |
| 2. Active Content | X.X/5 | [Status] |
| 3. Practice & Feedback | X.X/5 | [Status] |
| 4. Intuitive UX | X.X/5 | [Status] |

## Detailed Findings
[Per pillar: Strengths (cite principle IDs) + Gaps (cite principle IDs)]

## Recommendations
### Quick Wins (< 1 hour each)
### Medium Effort (1-4 hours)
### Major Redesigns

For a complete example report, see references/example-report.md.

Notes

• Some criteria require manual review (tone, video quality) — flag these in the report
• Run audit at start of semester for maximum improvement time