Preventing Import Course Content for Teacher Role

[efudge]

Is anyone aware of a way to prevent (turn-off) the "Import Course Content" option for the "Teacher" role from the administrator side. As an administrator and per some recent questions via a committee, we are wanting to temporarily prevent faculty from importing course content or at a minimum limit the options to single items versus an entire course package.

[Gabriel33 · Accepted solution]

From https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Archived-Questions/Block-importing-an-entire-course/m-p/231599 it looks like it may not be possible, unless there has been an update.

Though perhaps it may be possible to at least hide it with a custom JS in the theme editor?
That is, removing options from the Import Content drop down in the /courses/[course_number]/content_migrations page?

Savvy instructors may still figure out how to get around it, but that's unlikely, especially if it's temporary.

[chriscas · Accepted solution]

Hi @efudge,

The ability to see and use the import functionality is tied to the "Course Content - add" permission according to the Canvas Course Role Permissions documentation.  For your needs, that's problematic because I'm pretty confident you don't  want to prevent teachers from adding content completely, just not by using the import tool, correct?"

Since a permission change is probably out of the question here, that leaves you with the option to use custom javascript/css via editing your Canvas theme.  The problem with this method is that you're really only hiding things, not blocking the functionality from being used.  Savvy users can easily work around restrictions like this if they really want to, but I don't know how much of an issue that would be for you.  If you do go down this road, it would be good to know whether you want to block all import functionality (even importing from another existing course in your instance), or if you're just trying to block imports of common cartridge files or something else.  Depending on your needs, the code may be relatively simple or get complex pretty quickly.  I have hidden other buttons on the course settings page with this method, so it's definitely doable if you're willing to go to this level.

Please do respond back here with more details if you're able!

-Chris

[Gabriel33 · Accepted solution]

From https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Archived-Questions/Block-importing-an-entire-course/m-p/231599 it looks like it may not be possible, unless there has been an update.

Though perhaps it may be possible to at least hide it with a custom JS in the theme editor?
That is, removing options from the Import Content drop down in the /courses/[course_number]/content_migrations page?

Savvy instructors may still figure out how to get around it, but that's unlikely, especially if it's temporary.

[chriscas · Accepted solution]

Hi @efudge,

The ability to see and use the import functionality is tied to the "Course Content - add" permission according to the Canvas Course Role Permissions documentation.  For your needs, that's problematic because I'm pretty confident you don't  want to prevent teachers from adding content completely, just not by using the import tool, correct?"

Since a permission change is probably out of the question here, that leaves you with the option to use custom javascript/css via editing your Canvas theme.  The problem with this method is that you're really only hiding things, not blocking the functionality from being used.  Savvy users can easily work around restrictions like this if they really want to, but I don't know how much of an issue that would be for you.  If you do go down this road, it would be good to know whether you want to block all import functionality (even importing from another existing course in your instance), or if you're just trying to block imports of common cartridge files or something else.  Depending on your needs, the code may be relatively simple or get complex pretty quickly.  I have hidden other buttons on the course settings page with this method, so it's definitely doable if you're willing to go to this level.

Please do respond back here with more details if you're able!

-Chris

[efudge]

How do we go about placing a feature request in and how would you suggest I word this request? I'd really like more attention to be placed on permissions so maybe this would be the best route.

[chriscas · Accepted solution]

Hi @efudge,

The How do I create a new idea in the Instructure Comm... - Instructure Community - 2986 guide should show the steps necessary to create a new feature idea here.  The ideas process is currently in a bit of a redesign phase, but I believe you can still submit new things, though you may not get an immediate response form Instructure.

I think the wording for the request is going to be the tricky part.  Overall, you probably want to ask for "granularity of permissions for the course copy and/or import content options."  That assumes you'd be okay totally shutting off imports.  I think there would be some general support for an idea like this.  If you get more specific to your original idea of shutting off course imports overall but allowing single item selective imports, that may get much more complex and, in my mind, has less of a chance of being developed.  The idea is yours though, so feel free o word it to whatever would fit your needs the best.

I hope this helps some more!

-Chris

[efudge]

Thank you both for replying. I've thought about the custom JS but have ran into problems in the past with some updates that have affected it so weary there. And we definitely do not want to cut off copy single items, just the general import of other courses; trying to control how blueprints are utilized and managed which ties directly into use of outcomes which we are pushing heavily now.

[Gabriel33]

Wouldn't it work to have the JS be tailored to hide just the "Copy a Canvas Course" and "Canvas Course Export Package" options?

The other options can still be available, and teachers can still export quizzes from one course to another.