Claude Canvas MCP: Seamless API Control & Streamlined Workflows

What is Claude Canvas MCP: Seamless API Control & Streamlined Workflows?

Claude Canvas MCP is a purpose-built Model Context Protocol (MCP) server enabling bidirectional integration between the Claude AI platform and Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). It provides a unified interface for programmatic access to core Canvas functionalities, including course management, assignment tracking, and student engagement tools. By abstracting Canvas API complexities, this solution allows developers and educators to automate workflows, analyze learning data, and enhance instructional support through AI-driven processes.

Key Features of Claude Canvas MCP: Seamless API Control & Streamlined Workflows

• Unified API abstraction layer for Canvas operations
• Real-time course data synchronization capabilities
• Pre-built modules for assignment grading workflows
• Student performance analytics integration
• Customizable notification triggers for critical events

For example, instructors can automate assignment distribution while maintaining grading rubrics, or administrators can generate real-time enrollment reports for institutional audits.

How to Use Claude Canvas MCP: Seamless API Control & Streamlined Workflows

1. Install the MCP server via package manager or Docker deployment
2. Configure OAuth2 credentials in config/api-keys.yaml
3. Register webhook endpoints for Canvas event notifications
4. Implement workflow orchestrations using the provided REST API

Full configuration guides and code samples are available in the official documentation, including best practices for production environments.

Use Cases of Claude Canvas MCP: Seamless API Control & Streamlined Workflows

• Automated course enrollment reconciliation during peak registration periods
• AI-driven feedback generation for essay-style assignments
• Dynamic gradebook synchronization across multiple LMS instances
• Emergency communication protocols for system outages

FAQ from Claude Canvas MCP: Seamless API Control & Streamlined Workflows

• Q: Does this support multi-tenant Canvas installations?
  Yes, through scoped API tokens and role-based access controls
• Q: What authentication methods are supported?
  OAuth2.0 with JWT token validation for enterprise deployments
• Q: How are API rate limits handled?
  Built-in throttling mechanisms with exponential backoff strategies
• Q: Can I extend the core workflows?
  Yes, the modular architecture allows custom module development using Python/asyncio framework

For advanced troubleshooting, refer to the dedicated support portal featuring API diagnostic tools and schema validators.

Claude Canvas MCP

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables Claude to interact with Canvas LMS. This server provides tools for managing courses, announcements, assignments, students, and more through the Canvas API.

Features

• List active courses and their details
• Retrieve course modules, pages, and content
• View assignments, quizzes, and discussions
• Access student enrollment information
• Post announcements and comments
• View submission details and grades
• Upload and download files
• Manage rubrics and grades

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v16 or higher)
• A Canvas API token
• Canvas instance URL (defaults to "http://canvas.docker/")
• Claude Desktop application

Installation

1. Clone this repository and install dependencies:

git clone https://github.com/johnnyrobot/claude-canvas-mcp.git
cd claude-canvas-mcp
npm install

2. Build the TypeScript project:

npm run build

3. Configure your environment variables:

# Copy the example environment file
cp .env.example .env

# Edit the .env file with your Canvas information
nano .env

Claude Desktop Integration

1. Open Claude Desktop's configuration file:

MacOS :

code ~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Windows :

code %AppData%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

2. Add the Canvas MCP server configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "canvas": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/claude-canvas-mcp/build/index.js"
      ],
      "env": {
        "CANVAS_API_TOKEN": "your_token_here",
        "CANVAS_DOMAIN": "http://canvas.docker/"
      }
    }
  }
}

3. Restart Claude Desktop to apply changes

Available Tools

list-courses

Lists all active courses for the authenticated user

• No required parameters
• Returns course names, IDs, and term information

get-course

Gets detailed information about a specific course

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string

list-modules

Lists all modules in a course

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string

list-module-items

Lists all items in a module

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string
  • moduleId: string

list-assignments

Gets all assignments in a course

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string
• Optional parameters:
  • includeContent: boolean (default: false)

get-assignment

Gets detailed information about an assignment

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string
  • assignmentId: string

list-students

Gets a complete list of students enrolled in a course

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string
• Optional parameters:
  • includeEmail: boolean (default: false)

post-announcement

Posts an announcement to a specific course

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string
  • title: string
  • message: string

list-submissions

Gets all student submissions for an assignment

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string
  • assignmentId: string

get-submission

Gets a specific student's submission for an assignment

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string
  • assignmentId: string
  • studentId: string

post-submission-comment

Posts a comment on a student's submission

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string
  • assignmentId: string
  • studentId: string
  • comment: string

list-files

Lists files in a course

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string
• Optional parameters:
  • folderId: string

upload-file

Uploads a file to a course

• Required parameters:
  • courseId: string
  • fileName: string
  • fileContent: string
• Optional parameters:
  • folderId: string

License

MIT License