Get Blackboard course announcements

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and openWorldHint, and the description adds the 'newest first' ordering and the created-or-modified filter semantics. It does not mention pagination, limits, or return format, so it adds context but not a rich behavioral profile.

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?

Two sentences front-load the action and scope, then state the optional filter and read-only nature. There is no fluff or repetition; every clause earns its place.

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?

For a simple two-parameter read-only list, the description plus fully documented schema provide enough to select and invoke the tool correctly. Sorting and filtering behavior are stated; return shape is not, but 'list announcements' makes the expected output reasonably inferable.

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%, with both parameters already well documented via examples and accepted formats. The description adds no additional parameter meaning beyond what is already in the schema, so it stays at the baseline of 3.

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?

The description states a specific verb ('List'), resource ('announcements for one Blackboard course'), and ordering ('newest first'). This clearly distinguishes the tool from siblings like get_recent_updates and list_courses by resource type and scope.

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?

The description gives useful scope context ('one Blackboard course') and the optional 'since' filter, but it does not explicitly say when to choose this tool over siblings like get_recent_updates, nor does it name alternatives or exclusions. Usage is implied rather than spelled out.

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