MCP Server for AI Assistance
Pawtograder includes a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables AI assistants to help course staff support students who are struggling with errors in their programming assignments.
Overview
The MCP server provides AI assistants with secure, authenticated access to:
- Help requests and discussion threads
- Student submissions and test results
- Build output and error messages
- Assignment context and requirements
This allows course staff to leverage AI tools to quickly understand student issues and provide more effective assistance.
Authentication
The MCP server uses Supabase OAuth authentication to ensure secure access. Only instructors and graders have access to the MCP server tools.
The MCP server never exposes sensitive user data such as the users table or private profile information. All data access is scoped to course-related information only.
- Fetch help requests: Retrieve active and historical help requests
- View help request details: Access full context including chat history and student information
- Get discussion threads: Access discussion board posts and replies
- Fetch submissions: Retrieve student submissions for assignments
- View test results: Access autograder test output and results
- Get build output: View compilation and build logs
Assignment Context
- Assignment details: Access assignment descriptions and requirements
- Handout URL: Retrieve assignment handout links for full context
Configuration
To enable AI assistance for your course:
- Ensure the MCP server is configured with Supabase OAuth credentials
- Add the
handout_url field to assignments in the assignments table to provide assignment context
- Course staff will see an “AI Help” button in help request chats and discussion threads
Using AI Assistance
When viewing a help request or discussion thread, course staff can click the “AI Help” button to:
- Generate MCP context for the current conversation
- Use any MCP-compatible AI client to analyze the situation
- Get AI-powered insights and suggestions for helping the student
The AI assistant has access to all relevant context about the student’s submission, test failures, and the assignment requirements.
Privacy and Security
The MCP server is designed with privacy in mind:
- Only instructors and graders can access MCP tools
- Student personal information is protected
- All access is logged and auditable
- Data access is scoped to course-related information only
MCP-Compatible Clients
The MCP server works with any MCP-compatible AI client, including:
- Claude Desktop
- Custom MCP clients
- Other AI assistants that support the Model Context Protocol
Refer to your AI client’s documentation for instructions on connecting to an MCP server.
