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Canvas LMS MCP – Remote Edition

Mark Module Item Read

mark_module_item_read

Marks a Canvas module item as viewed to satisfy a 'must view' requirement without opening it, and records progress in the instructor's view.

Instructions

Mark a module item as viewed to satisfy a 'must view' requirement, without opening it. Shows in your instructor's progress view.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
item_idYesModule item ID (numeric string). Get it from list_module_items.
course_idYesCanvas course ID, a numeric string such as "12345". Get it from list_courses.
module_idYesModule ID (numeric string). Get it from list_modules.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed3 schema fields changedv1.1.3
    • changedInput schema / properties / course_id / description
      Previous value: -"Canvas course ID"New value: +"Canvas course ID, a numeric string such as \"12345\". Get it from list_courses."
    • changedInput schema / properties / item_id / description
      Previous value: -"Canvas ID (numeric string)"New value: +"Module item ID (numeric string). Get it from list_module_items."
    • changedInput schema / properties / module_id / description
      Previous value: -"Canvas ID (numeric string)"New value: +"Module ID (numeric string). Get it from list_modules."
  2. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Adds context beyond annotations: the call records progress that is visible in the instructor's view, and no content is fetched/opened. That visibility side effect is not derivable from readOnlyHint=false/idempotentHint=false. Missing: whether repeated calls are harmless and what the response reports.

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?

One compact sentence whose lead clause states the action immediately, followed by two short qualifiers that each add real information (requirement satisfaction, no content opening, instructor visibility). Nothing redundant.

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

Completeness4/5

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

Three required parameters are fully documented in the schema, no output schema exists, and the description covers purpose, effect, and social consequence. It could be more complete about reversibility (can a marked-view item be unmarked?) and the return payload.

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?

Schema description coverage is 100%, with each of the three required IDs documented along with the discovery tool that supplies it. The description adds no parameter-level meaning, so the baseline 3 applies.

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

Purpose4/5

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

States a specific verb+resource ('Mark a module item') and the effect ('as viewed to satisfy a must view requirement'), which an agent can distinguish from content-reading tools. It does not name the closest sibling, mark_module_item_done, so the viewed-vs-done distinction must be inferred.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

Gives a clear triggering condition ('to satisfy a must view requirement') and an implicit contrast to opening the item ('without opening it'), which effectively routes the agent away from get_module_item when it only wants the requirement satisfied. No explicit exclusion of mark_module_item_done or note about calling it twice.

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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