Skip to main content

Prompts Guide — Tutor AI

Tutor AI is a course assistant that answers questions about course content and activities. Students ask questions, and the AI responds using the course materials.

You can configure a custom prompt in the plugin settings (globally or per course) to control the AI's tone and behavior.

Quick rules (better results for students)​

For better answers, tell students to include in their question:

  • What they're studying (topic/unit)
  • What they're stuck on (one specific question)
  • What they already tried (optional)
  • If they want a hint or a full explanation
  • If it's about an activity: the activity name and what part they're on

Admin prompt — what you can configure​

The custom prompt setting controls the AI tutor's behavior. It is available at two levels:

  • Global: Site admin → Plugins → Local plugins → Tutor AI → Custom prompt
  • Per course: Course → Tutor AI configuration → Custom prompt (overrides the global one)

Here you can set the tone, add restrictions, or define specific behaviors.

Example — Set the tone​

Tone: warm and supportive. Celebrate small wins. Always use concrete examples from the course.

Example — Restrict scope​

Only answer questions about Module 1: Introduction to Security. If a question is about another
module, say "That topic is covered in a different section" and redirect the student.

Example — Block quiz answers​

Do not give direct answers to quizzes or assignments. Guide the student with hints and
questions so they figure it out themselves.

Template (copy/paste for students)​

I'm studying: {topic or unit}.
I'm stuck on: {specific question or problem}.

Please help me by:
- {hint or full explanation preference}
- {any specific detail you need}

If you need a missing detail to answer well, ask me first.

If asking about a specific activity:

I'm working on: {activity name}.

My question: {specific question about the activity}.

What I've tried: {attempt, optional}.
Please give me a hint rather than the answer.

Examples​

Example 1 — Getting help with a concept​

I'm studying: phishing.
I'm stuck on: how to tell a real password reset email from a fake one.

Please help me by:
- explaining it in simple terms
- giving 1 realistic example and 1 common mistake

Keep it short.

Example 2 — Help with an activity​

I'm studying: authentication and session management.
I'm stuck on: the activity "Week 3 Essay", I don't understand what
"implement session fixation protection" means.

What I tried: I read the PHP chapter on sessions but it's too technical.
Please explain it simply with an example.