canvas-course-audit

name	canvas-course-audit
description	Audit an entire Canvas LMS course against the Four Learning Design Pillars (Clear Structure, Active Content, Continuous Practice, Intuitive UX). Use when users want to evaluate course quality, identify improvement areas, or prepare for course redesign. Requires canvas-mcp server for course data access. Triggers on "audit course", "course review", "evaluate my course", or Canvas course IDs/codes.

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

1. Parse course identifier from user input
2. Load principles from the YAML file
3. 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