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Canvas FAQ

Frequently asked questions about integrating DebaterHub with Canvas LMS.

Setup Questions​

Do I need to install anything on our Canvas servers?​

No. DebaterHub uses standard LTI 1.3 which is pure configuration. You only need to create Developer Keys in your Canvas Admin panel. No server-side plugins, code changes, or installations are required.

Can I restrict which courses have access?​

Yes. You can control access at multiple levels:

  • Account level: Enable/disable for all courses
  • Sub-account level: Enable for specific departments
  • Course level: Teachers can add/remove the tool per course

What Canvas hosting types are supported?​

DebaterHub works with:

  • Canvas Cloud (Instructure-hosted)
  • Self-hosted Canvas instances
  • Canvas Free for Teachers

Can we test before rolling out to students?​

Yes. We recommend:

  1. Create a test course
  2. Add yourself as both teacher and student (use a test account)
  3. Test the full workflow before enabling institution-wide

Data & Privacy​

What student data does DebaterHub access?​

Minimal data only:

  • Name (first, last)
  • Email address
  • Course enrollment and role
  • Assignment submissions (for grading)

We do NOT access:

  • Other grades
  • Course content
  • Messages or discussions
  • Files or submissions from other tools

Where is data stored?​

All data is stored in AWS us-east-1 (Virginia), encrypted at rest using AES-256.

How long is data retained?​

  • Active user data: Retained while account is active
  • Inactive accounts: Data deleted after 2 years of inactivity
  • Upon request: Data can be deleted within 30 days

Is DebaterHub FERPA compliant?​

Yes. We comply with FERPA requirements:

  • We act as a "school official" with legitimate educational interest
  • We don't use student data for any purpose other than providing the service
  • We maintain appropriate security measures

Can we sign a DPA (Data Processing Agreement)?​

Yes. Contact legal@my-desk.ai to request our standard DPA.

Technical Questions​

What browsers are supported?​

DebaterHub supports:

  • Chrome (recommended)
  • Firefox
  • Safari
  • Edge

Mobile browsers are supported for student access.

Does it work in the Canvas mobile app?​

Yes, with some limitations. The full experience is optimized for desktop/tablet browsers, but core functionality works in the Canvas Student and Teacher mobile apps.

Are there any firewall requirements?​

Your network must allow outbound HTTPS (port 443) connections to:

  • app.my-desk.ai
  • api.my-desk.ai

No inbound connections are required.

Support​

How do I get help?​

  1. Documentation: You're already here!
  2. Email support: support@my-desk.ai
  3. Response time: Within 24 hours for enterprise customers

Is training available?​

Yes. We offer:

  • Self-service documentation and videos
  • Live webinar training (scheduled monthly)
  • Custom training sessions for enterprise accounts

Contact success@my-desk.ai to schedule training.