IgniteAI Agent works best when your prompt clearly describes a task it can complete inside Canvas and provides the right context. A strong prompt helps the Agent act efficiently while keeping you in control.
Start with a clear task
Begin by stating exactly what you want the Agent to do. Focus on specific actions rather than broad requests.
Examples
- “Extend the due date for all assignments in Module 4 by three days.”
- “Generate 3 possible discussion prompts based on the Game Theory Overview page.”
- “Tell me which students haven’t submitted the Stoichiometry assignment.”
Clear, action-oriented prompts help the Agent understand the scope of work and respond accurately.
Specify where the work should happen
The Agent can act across your Canvas environment, but it needs to know where to focus.
Include details like:
- Module, assignment, or discussion
- Timeframe or content source
Example
“In Introduction to Psychology, update the description of the Week 5 reflection assignment to reflect the new due date.”
Include rules or preferences
If there are constraints, add them early so the Agent can follow them.
You might include:
- Whether the output should be a draft or applied immediately
- Alignment requirements, such as outcomes or standards
- Tone or structure preferences
Examples
- “Use an encouraging tone in the reminder message.”
- “Align the content on the Persuasive Essay page to the listed course outcomes.”
Break up multi-step tasks
For more complex work, guide the Agent step by step. This gives you more visibility and control.
Example
- “Tell me which students haven’t submitted the Stoichiometry assignment.”
- “Can you send those students a reminder message about the upcoming deadline?”
Use natural language
You don’t need special commands or technical language. Write prompts the same way you would explain a task to a colleague. If you want the Agent to complete tasks on a specific feature within Canvas, try to name it directly (e.g., “Post an announcement”; “Draft an assignment”; “Apply a differentiation tag”)
Example
"I'm worried my Grade 11 History students are getting overwhelmed by the 'French Revolution' module. Could you suggest some ideas for a quick self-check or discussion to help them stay engaged?”
Review before publishing
IgniteAI Agent helps you move faster, but you remain responsible for final decisions. Always review drafts, summaries, or changes before sharing them with students. If something isn’t quite right, refine your prompt and try again.
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To help continually improve the Agent, please use the 👍🏽/ 👎🏽icons to indicate your level of satisfaction with the Agent’s responses. Don't be afraid to experiment. If you don't get the results you were hoping for, try again with different wording or follow up with a prompt telling the Agent what went wrong. If the Agent failed to respond, try the same prompt again.