LMS integration: AI learning assistant

The AI learning assistant is a chatbot created by the University of Melbourne as a learning resource for students.

The tool has two modes designed to assist student learning:

• Chat – students can ask the tool any question about their subject. The AI learning assistant will respond based on information drawn from subject content.
• Socratic tutor – the AI learning assistant will act as a Socratic tutor, guiding the student through topics using continual probing questions to gauge the student’s understanding.

While a level of unpredictability is inherent in all GenAI tools powered by large language models, the AI learning assistant has been programmed to base its responses on information housed within the subject content on the LMS.

This product is in beta release and only available for staff use in Canvas LMS Playpen subjects from Monday 29 July 2024.

Since this is a trial phase for the learning assistant, it is likely that staff will come across issues while using it. We encourage staff to report any technical issues. Feedback received will be used to develop further refinements to the product and potentially being made available to students in 2025.

Staff who have edit access for subjects in Canvas LMS can:

• Decide which subject resources in the LMS should be part of the data set that will be used by the AI learning assistant to generate responses and provide Socratic tutoring to students.
• Provide additional instructions to the AI learning assistant as part of the prompt enhancements. Note: This is an advanced setting and is optional.
• Thoroughly test the AI learning assistant for their subject using the View student experience function.
• Update content when subject content changes during the semester.

For more information, please refer to our AI learning assistant user guides.