---
id: "0699271e-aae8-41f9-a734-927b21270b6c"
name: "canvas_next_item()"
micro_summary: "Call when you need the next incomplete Canvas assignment — opens it in a new tab and identifies whether it's SIMnet, Connect, or Canvas-native."
status: "resolved"
see_also: []
scope: "One-call entry point to find and open the next incomplete Canvas assignment. Navigates to dashboard, extracts upcoming assignments, opens the first incomplete one in a new tab, and identifies whether it's SIMnet, Connect, or Canvas-native. The agent's first move every session."
---
## canvas_next_item(days=14)

**The agent's first move every session.** One call discovers the next assignment, opens it, and identifies its type.

```bash
browser-harness <<'PY'
import json
result = json.loads(canvas_next_item(days=14))
print(result["type"])  # "simnet" | "connect" | "canvas"
print(result["name"])
print(result["course"])
PY
```

### Flow (internal)

1. Ensures on Canvas dashboard (navigates there if not)
2. `canvas_get_weekly_assignments(days)` — upcoming assignments
3. Picks first with `completed == False`
4. `new_tab(url)` — opens assignment in new tab
5. `canvas_simnet_go()` — tries LTI navigation
6. If SIMnet/Connect succeeds → returns `simnet_result`
7. If no tool_launch iframe → returns `page_text` (body text, 5000 char cap)

### Return (parse with json.loads)

**Success — SIMnet/Connect:**
```json
{"ok": true, "name": "...", "course": "...", "url": "...", "type": "simnet", "simnet_result": {"ok": true, "url": "...", "type": "simnet"}}
```

**Success — Canvas-native:**
```json
{"ok": true, "name": "...", "course": "...", "url": "...", "type": "canvas", "page_text": "..."}
```

**Error:**
```json
{"ok": false, "error": "no assignments due within 14 days"}
{"ok": false, "error": "all assignments complete"}
{"ok": false, "error": "no planner found. navigate to canvas dashboard first"}
```

### What happens to browser tabs

- Opens assignment in a **new tab** (doesn't clobber existing tabs)
- If SIMnet/Connect: the new tab navigates through the LTI redirect chain to the assignment
- If Canvas-native: the new tab stays on the Canvas assignment page
- Dashboard tab is preserved

### Next steps by type

| type | Next call |
|------|-----------|
| `simnet` | `simbook_complete()` or manual SIMnet interaction |
| `connect` | Read Begin Button skill, then click the Begin button |
| `canvas` | Read `page_text`, respond to user with assignment details |