Make new Canvas discussion topics actionable in DeskTime
Give each new discussion topic a project and an optional task for the work it needs.
Trigger
New Canvas Discussion Topic
Polls a Canvas course for new discussion topics.
Action
Create Project with Optional Task
Tool to create a new project with an optional initial task. use when you need to set up a new desktime project programmatically.
Why this helps
New discussion topics can require research or preparation, but the follow-up work is easy to lose among course activity.
- Create a project when a new topic appears in a course.
- Include an optional task for preparing or reviewing the discussion.
- Keep topic-related work visible for time tracking.
Setup
Build it in a few focused steps.
- 1Connect Canvas and DeskTime once in the Notis portal.
- 2Create an automation in Notis and name it for discussion topic follow-up.
- 3Tell Notis to create a DeskTime project from each new discussion topic and include an optional preparation task.
- 4Pick the New Canvas Discussion Topic trigger and choose where run reports should go.
- 5Test with one real discussion topic.
Questions about this workflow
Does the trigger include a new discussion message?
No. This workflow uses the New Canvas Discussion Topic event, which polls a course for new topics.
Can I include the course name in the DeskTime project?
You can instruct Notis to use the course and topic details available in the trigger data. Test with a real topic to confirm the result.
Can this add a task without creating a project?
The listed action creates a project and supports an optional initial task. It does not list a standalone task creation action.
When this happens · Trigger
Do this · Action
Supported Triggers and Actions
Notis builds workflows that link Canvas to Desktime. A trigger fires from one place; an action lands in another.
Canvas triggers
Desktime actions
Recurring trigger
Notis starts this workflow on a schedule, such as daily, weekly, or during business hours.
Create Project with Optional Task
Tool to create a new project with an optional initial task. use when you need to set up a new desktime project programmatically.
Webhook trigger
Notis starts this workflow when an external tool or custom backend sends an HTTP request.
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Connect any two apps with Notis in the middle.
Canvas and Desktime, or any other combination from 1,000+ integrations.
When this happens · Trigger
Do this · Action
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