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Canvas API: Launching a Space from SchoolAI to Canvas

Your SchoolAI Space in Canvas

Updated yesterday

The Canvas API flow for Space creation (as opposed to the LTI flow which starts within Canvas) allows you to push a Space directly from your SchoolAI dashboard into a Canvas course. This is often the fastest way to get a specific Space into your LMS once you've finished building it.

Follow these steps to launch your Space from SchoolAI.


1. Log in to SchoolAI and navigate to the Space you wish to use. Click the “Preview & Launch” button.

2. A session sharing window will appear. Select “Send through an LMS.”

3. In the “Add to Canvas” window, click the Class dropdown and choose your class (you will be adding this Space as an assignment to whichever course you choose).

Note: SchoolAI will pull a list of your active Canvas courses via the API.

4. From the Module dropdown, select the module for your Space.

5. Type any guidance for your students into the “Details or instructions” text box.

6. Double-check your specifications, then click the “Launch” button.

7. You’ll see a confirmation screen open in Canvas showing the Space title and its unique LTI link. Click the “Add to Assignment” button to push this data to Canvas.

You’ll be redirected to your Canvas Assignments page where you’ll see your new assignment successfully created within the SchoolAI Space. From here, you can click Edit Assignment Settings in Canvas to adjust the due date, point value, or student instructions as usual.


Quick Fixes If Your Space Isn't Loading

If students see a blank screen or a login error, try these steps in order:

  1. Enable Third-Party Cookies: This is the #1 cause of LTI errors.

    • Chrome: Settings > Privacy > Third-party cookies > Allow.

    • Safari: Settings > Safari > Turn OFF "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking."

  2. Check Publication Status: Ensure both the Canvas Course and the Specific Assignment are Published (Green checkmark).

  3. Refresh or Re-login: If you see an "Invalid Token" error, refresh the page or log out and back into Canvas to reset the secure connection.

  4. Try Chrome: If Safari or a mobile browser is acting up, switch to Google Chrome for the best stability.


Canvas Integration: LTI Flow vs. API Flow

SchoolAI offers two ways to bring interactive Spaces into Canvas. While both methods result in a seamless experience for students, the best "flow" depends on where you prefer to start your lesson planning.

Feature

LTI Flow (Start in Canvas)

API Flow (Start in SchoolAI)

Starting Point

Canvas Assignments Page

SchoolAI "My Space" Dashboard

Best For

Building out a full module in Canvas.

Pushing a single Space you just finished.

Ease of Access

High (No need to leave Canvas).

High (Quick "Launch" button).

Visibility

You see the full Canvas settings immediately.

You see the Space settings immediately.

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