Get Blackboard course announcements

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and openWorldHint=true, and the description reinforces read-only. The description adds useful structure context about the 'links' field and newest-first ordering. It doesn't disclose pagination behavior or result limits, so it's adequate but not rich.

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

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

Three short sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose, followed by the optional filter then the link-handling note. Zero waste.

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

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

Covers purpose, ordering, filtering, and link navigation for a read-only list tool with full schema coverage and no output schema. Pagination/limits are unaddressed but are minor gaps for a read operation.

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

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

Schema description coverage is 100%, so both course_id and since are fully documented in the schema. The description reiterates the date-filtering semantics but adds no syntax or format detail beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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

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

States a specific verb+resource (list announcements) scoped to one Blackboard course, with ordering (newest first) and an explicit filtering option. An agent can distinguish it from siblings like get_course_content or get_assignments immediately.

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

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

Provides clear context: filter to items created/modified after a date, and routes to read_link for opening links inside an announcement. It doesn't explicitly state when NOT to use it (e.g., across multiple courses, for content types other than announcements), so it's not a 5.

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