"Alexa, ask Canvas..."

[Renee_Carney]

Attendees, and Twitter (#InstCon), were buzzing with news of the new Canvas Alexa integration, following Jared Stein’s InstructureCon keynote Thursday afternoon. Jared stood on the center stage and directed Alexa to “Ask Canvas about my grades”, along with other requests.

Here’s a snapshot (courtesy of @lindajeanlee on Twitter) of what Alexa can do now.

So, how will this new leap forward into digital assistance and voice services impact education? That’s for you to help define!

Read more about Canvas Skill for Amazon Alexa, in Extra Credit: The Canvas Blog. Help contribute to future development by completing the survey at the top of the Community Canvas Studio page or submitting a new feature idea (use the tag #alexa).

[meichin]

There has been some discussion about FERPA  and privacy concerns as the Alexa  delivers grade information.  Is there documentation on that we can share with our faculty?

[Renee_Carney]

Great question,  @meichin ‌

We have some information for you here:  https://community.canvaslms.com/community/ideas/blog/2017/08/04/how-were-protecting-privacy-with-the... 

[meichin]

Thank you!

[zal5010]

Is the Canvas Skill available now? I can't seem to find it in the Skills Store.

[Stef_retired]

 @zal5010 , when I searched on "Canvas" in the Skills store through the Alexa app, the Canvas skill came up right away. Have a look at https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-11957-digital-assistant-canvas-skill-for-alexa?sr=search&se...‌ for guidance.

[zal5010]

Thanks Stefanie. I swear I searched "canvas" in the skills section last night and nothing came up. This morning, it popped right up -- making me a liar, haha! Thanks!

[hottingert]

Any updates on new skills?  Timeline?  Thanks.

[jared]

We've just updated the Canvas Skill for Alexa! The Skill now has a PIN feature so users can require that Alexa first hear the PIN code before she will answer Canvas requests.

[kmeeusen]

Awesome  @jared ‌!

This is one of my favorite things about Instructure - you listen!

And speaking of listening, I understand you will be joining our Washington Annual Canvas Conference next month. Great news, and thank you for joining the fun!

Kelley

[khaled_al-ankar]

Are you sure you have Alexa working in the UK. I’ve tried a number of times and I keep getting “Alexa can’t open your canvas skill right now?” 

Thanks 

Khaled