Extension Overview
The Academica Chrome extension automatically syncs your assignments from Canvas LMS and Google Classroom to the web app. This guide explains what it does and how it works.
What the Extension Does#
The extension:
- Detects Your LMS - Knows when you're on a Canvas page or connects to Google Classroom
- Extracts Data - Reads your assignments, grades, and courses
- Syncs to Academica - Sends the data to your web app account
- Stays Updated - Syncs automatically as you browse or on-demand
How It Works#
Canvas LMS#
When you visit any Canvas website (*.instructure.com), the extension:
- Recognizes you're on Canvas
- Looks for assignment information
- Syncs automatically as you browse
Google Classroom#
For Google Classroom:
- Click "Connect Google Classroom" in the extension
- Sign in with your school Google account
- Click "Sync Google Classroom" to pull your data
- Uses secure OAuth - we never see your Google password
Data Extraction#
The extension reads:
- Assignment names and descriptions
- Due dates and times
- Point values
- Your grades (when available)
- Course names
- Submission status
Sync Process#
- Extension collects data from your LMS
- Data is sent to Academica servers
- Your assignments appear in the web app
- Sync status updates in the extension popup
The Extension Popup#
Click the Academica icon in your browser toolbar to see:
Connection Status#
- Signed In - Shows your email
- Not Signed In - Click to sign in
Sync Status#
- Last Synced - When data was last sent
- Assignments - Number synced
- Sync Now - Manual sync button
Quick Links#
- Open web app
- View assignments
- Settings
What Data Is Collected#
We Collect:#
| Data | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Assignment names | Display in app |
| Due dates | Planning features |
| Point values | Grade tracking |
| Your grades | Progress monitoring |
| Course names | Organization |
| Submission status | Status tracking |
We Don't Collect:#
- Your Canvas password
- Other websites you visit
- Personal files or documents
- Information from non-Canvas sites
Privacy & Security#
How Your Data Is Protected#
- Encrypted transmission - Data is sent over HTTPS
- Secure storage - Stored in protected databases
- Account-specific - Only you can see your data
- No selling - We never sell your information
Permissions Explained#
The extension requests these permissions:
| Permission | Why |
|---|---|
| Access Canvas websites | Read your assignments |
| Storage | Remember your login |
| Active tab | Detect Canvas pages |
The extension cannot:
- Read other websites
- Access your files
- See your browsing history
- Modify Canvas data
Sync Frequency#
Automatic Syncing#
- Syncs when you visit Canvas pages
- Updates when grades change
- Refreshes course list periodically
Manual Syncing#
- Click "Sync Now" in the popup
- Useful after adding new assignments
- Good for verifying data is current
Signing In#
To use the extension:
- Click the Academica icon
- Click "Sign In"
- Enter your Academica credentials
- Wait for "Connected" status
Use the same account as the web app!
Extension States#
| Icon State | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Normal | Signed in, ready |
| Blue dot | Recently synced |
| Gray | Not on Canvas |
| Red dot | Error - check popup |
Requirements#
- Google Chrome (version 88+)
- An Academica account
- Access to Canvas LMS and/or Google Classroom
Note: The extension currently only works in Chrome. Other browsers coming soon.
Troubleshooting#
Common Issues#
Extension not showing
- Check if it's pinned to toolbar
- Look in the extensions menu (puzzle icon)
Not detecting Canvas
- Refresh the Canvas page
- Make sure URL contains ".instructure.com"
Won't sign in
- Check internet connection
- Verify account credentials
- Try the web app first