Introducing Deep Linking Assignment Edit: Simplifying Content Management in Canvas

[AlexisNast]

Update

While this feature was originally announced as planned to be enforced in December 2023, we were alerted that several tools were still sending data (assignment names, due dates, point values, etc) which they expected Canvas to ignore, representing a major barrier to schools using those tools. As such, we have moved the enforcement date to June 10, 2024. We will be reaching out to the specific tools we are aware of to coordinate with them on this updated enforcement date, as well as sending out a notice to all partners. We highly recommend you test this feature out in beta to determine if any assignment information is inappropriately overwritten by tools when the feature is enforced.

Introduction

In our continuous efforts to improve Canvas for instructors and learners, we are excited to announce the upcoming release of Deep Linking Assignment Edit in alignment with the 1EdTech specification. This feature will improve the way LTI 1.3 tools interact with Canvas, allowing for seamless content management within assignments. We have been working diligently to address any issues and are pleased to share that the release of this feature is scheduled for our August release. For those eager to try it out, the feature is currently available in Beta and can be tested in Production using the "LTI Deep Linking Line Items on Assignment create/edit page" feature flag.

Deep Linking: Linking Content with Precision

Deep linking is a powerful capability that enables LTI 1.3 tools to establish specific links between content and assignments or modules in Canvas. With this feature, instead of launching the tool to a general splash screen, instructors and students can directly access designated content, such as a problem set, file, or textbook chapter. This functionality was initially introduced in February 2022, but challenges arose with the assignment edit workflow and that part of the feature was turned off. We have since collaborated closely with various tool providers to overcome these obstacles and refine the user experience.

Simplifying Assignment Modifications

The assignment edit workflow is a crucial aspect of deep linking, as it allows LTI 1.3 tools to modify existing assignments that incorporate deep linked content. Consider a scenario where an assignment in Canvas is linked to a specific task provided by a tool. If updates are made to the task on the tool's side, these changes can now be communicated back to Canvas. This synchronization prevents data mismatches and eliminates duplicated efforts on the part of instructors. This also brings us into alignment with the 1EdTech LTI 1.3 specifications for deep linking.

Preparing for the Change

To make the most of this change, it is important for tool providers to be aware of certain considerations. Specifically, tools should refrain from sending values for to the following fields if they do not wish to alter them within Canvas: lineItem: scoreMaximum, lineItem: label, title, text, and window: targetName. Additionally, we are considering allowing tools to edit the due date, unlock date, and lock date (submission: endDateTime, available: startDateTime, and available: endDateTime respectively) in the future and so recommend ensuring your tool only provides valid data for these fields as well. Once the feature is fully enabled, any values sent by the tool will be respected by Canvas, which may overwrite data entered by a user in Canvas. If a tool does not provide a value for a specific field, the Canvas-provided value will remain intact.

Conclusion

With the upcoming release of Deep Linking Assignment Edit in Canvas, we are unlocking new possibilities for content management within assignments. This feature enables LTI 1.3 tools to establish precise links between content and assignments, allowing for effortless updates and synchronization. We are thrilled to be working in close collaboration with tool providers to bring this enhancement to fruition. To explore the capabilities of Deep Linking Assignment Edit, you can access it in Beta or try it in Production using the provided feature flag. We are excited about the positive impact this update will have on educators and students, simplifying their workflows and ultimately enhancing their teaching and learning experiences in Canvas.