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Overview

This node integrates with the Canvas LMS API to manage course modules and other related resources. Specifically, the "Module - Update" operation allows users to update an existing module within a specified course by changing its name and description.

Common scenarios where this node is beneficial include:

  • Updating the title or description of a module in a course after initial creation.
  • Automating course content management workflows where module details need periodic updates.
  • Integrating Canvas LMS module updates into broader educational automation pipelines.

For example, an educator could use this node to programmatically rename a module or add additional descriptive information without manually editing it in the Canvas web interface.

Properties

Name Meaning
Course ID The unique identifier of the course containing the module to update.
Module ID The unique identifier of the module to update.
Module Name The new name/title for the module.
Module Description The new description text for the module (can be multiline HTML or plain text).

Output

The node outputs JSON data under the json field containing the response from the Canvas API after updating the module. This typically includes the updated module's details such as its ID, name, description, position, and other metadata returned by the API.

No binary data output is produced by this operation.

Example output structure (simplified):

{
  "data": {
    "id": "123",
    "name": "Updated Module Name",
    "description": "Updated description text",
    "position": 1,
    ...
  }
}

Dependencies

  • Requires an API key credential for authenticating with the Canvas LMS API.
  • The node uses HTTP requests to communicate with the Canvas API endpoints.
  • Proper permissions on the Canvas LMS account are necessary to update modules.

Troubleshooting

  • Invalid Course or Module ID: If the provided IDs do not exist or the user lacks access, the API will return errors. Verify that the IDs are correct and the API key has sufficient permissions.
  • Authentication Errors: Ensure the API key credential is valid and has not expired.
  • Missing Required Fields: The "Module Name" is required; omitting it may cause the request to fail.
  • API Rate Limits: Frequent calls might hit Canvas API rate limits; implement retries or delays if needed.
  • Error Messages: The node throws errors with messages like Error in "module" operation "update": <message>. Check the message for specifics, such as invalid parameters or network issues.

Links and References

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