Canvas Course Audit Skill

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

Parse course identifier from user input
Load principles from the YAML file
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:

| Score | Description | |-------|-------------| | 5 | Exemplary — meets nearly all criteria with excellence | | 4 | Strong — meets most criteria, minor gaps | | 3 | Adequate — meets core criteria, notable gaps | | 2 | Developing — several significant gaps | | 1 | Needs Redesign — fundamental issues |

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

Agent Skills: Canvas Course Audit

Install this agent skill to your local

Skill Files