Is there any way to prevent students from using API? Blocked only for those with a student role in a course.
Thanks, it's doubtful but thought I would ask.
Hi @Nancy_Webb_CCSF,
I think the answer here is a big maybe, depending on exactly what you'd like to do...
The Admin Manage Access Tokens feature option was released last year and basically puts admins in control of generating user API tokens. If you turn this on, the only users who could create tokens would be admins with the correct permissions. We turned this on at my institution as we have very low "approved" use of API tokens vs the number of unwanted uses before this feature was available. You could have something similar or very different from us, so this needs careful consideration.
Even with the above feature turned on, students (or any users really) will still technically be making API calls through developer keys. The Canvas mobile apps are great examples of this as they make heavy use of the API to function. Along the same lines, the web version of Canvas even makes use of API calls behind the curtains. So with this in mind, you really can't totally shut off the API for anyone without basically breaking Canvas.
This is just a quick overview off the top of my head. Let us know if this helps, if you have questions, would like more info, etc...
-Chris
Does anyone have suggestions for bulk aligning questions at the quiz level, not the item bank level? I don't know much about API keys, but would one of these work for a bulk alignment? We have a school that is preparing for accreditation next year and they must get their quiz questions aligned to outcomes. We know they…
The most recent quizzes and question banks (including renames) are not showing up as options in the Course Import Tool. As I was creating a new quiz in one course (Classic), I went to add the questions from the Question Bank, but what I needed wasn't there. I went back to the other course to make sure everything was…
In the wake of the recent Canvas security incident, many instructors are rethinking how they protect their course materials and ensure continuity for students if the LMS becomes unavailable. A common question we’re hearing is how to effectively back up courses “just in case,” especially with an eye toward re‑distributing…
Hi all, Quick question about the Gradebook color status for a 2-part checkpoint discussion. If a student completes the first due date (initial post) but does not complete the required replies by the second due date, is there any way for Canvas to automatically show a color (e.g., missing/late) instead of staying as…
Canvas Portfolios provide a powerful platform for students to document their learning journey, reflect on their progress, and showcase competencies. However, in programs where multiple educators are involved in assessment—such as team teaching, moderation, or competency-based evaluation—there are important questions about…
