Student Chatbot FAQs
We understand that getting started with a new (AI) learning tool can raise many questions. Our team has carefully compiled answers to the questions we have received about using our course chatbot. Whether you're just getting started or looking to make the most of this learning resource, you'll find helpful explanations below.
Getting Started
Your course coordinator will receive a link upon creating a chatbot, and will share this link with you. When you open the link, a pop-up notification will appear, allowing you to log in using the same credentials as you do for Canvas. Once logged in, you will be able to access the chatbot created by your teacher.
The chatbot has access to all materials your course coordinator has uploaded, which can include lecture slides, academic papers, syllabi, and practice assignments. These are the same materials you would typically find on Canvas, but now they're interactive through the chatbot.
No, this is not necessary. The chatbot environment is linked to your Tilburg University account. This allows you to log in the same way as you do via Canvas and Osiris.
Our chatbot has an additional added functionality called RAG. The idea of RAG is that the user asks a question, after which it is converted into so-called embeddings. An embedding is a numerical representation of the question. This same process is applied to the documents that the chatbot uses as a source, which are also converted into numerical values. When a user asks a question, it is compared to the available documents. Each document is given a relevance score based on how well it matches the question asked. The information from the most relevant documents is then sent to the underlying AI model. This gives the model a ‘prepared’ answer, so that the chatbot always gives an appropriate answer that closely matches the course material.
Yes, your interactions with our chatbot remain private and are not shared with OpenAI (the AI model in use). The only data retained is for the purpose of maintaining your conversations, and will be deleted after 30 days.
Using the Chatbot
Be specific within your questions. Instead of asking "What is marketing?" try something like "Explain the definition of marketing from Week 1, Slide 5" or "What are the key points about marketing from the Smith & Johnson paper?" The more specific you are, the more precise the answer will be. Preferably connect it with your slides to retrieve a more targeted answer.
The chatbot always cites its sources, showing exactly where in the course materials the information comes from. You can verify any answer by checking these referenced materials directly. Even when a topic spans multiple lectures or readings, you can see how different parts of the course connect.
Yes! The syllabus is typically uploaded to the system, so you can ask about deadlines, grading policies, assignment requirements, and other course logistics.
If you notice inconsistencies, ask the chatbot to explain the context of each source. You can also bring this to your professor's attention for clarification.
General Questions
No, the chatbot doesn't have access to individual student grades or personal information. For grade-related questions, please consult Canvas or contact your professor directly.
Yes! We actively encourage feedback to improve the system. You can share your experiences and suggestions through the feedback form available in the chatbot interface or using the contact page on the top right of your screen.
Remember: The chatbot is designed to improve your learning experience, not replace traditional study methods or instructor interaction. Use it as one tool in your toolkit!