What Are Nectir AI Assistants?
Unlock 24/7 personalized learning with Nectir AI Assistants. Discover how to ask questions and get tailored support anytime, anywhere.
Nectir AI Assistants are your personalized learning companions, created by your instructors specifically for your courses and trained on your actual course materials.
Getting Started with Your AI Assistant
Via LMS
Access directly from your course page in Canvas, D2L, Moodle, or other LMS platforms
Via Email Invite
Check your email for an invitation from your instructor
Via Invite Link
Click on a shared invitation link provided by your instructor
For detailed instructions on each access method: Complete guide to accessing Nectir AI
Via LMS
Access directly from your course page in Canvas, D2L, Moodle, or other LMS platforms
Via Email Invite
Check your email for an invitation from your instructor
Via Invite Link
Click on a shared invitation link provided by your instructor
For detailed instructions on each access method: Complete guide to accessing Nectir AI
Your conversations are private. Only you can see your chat history with the Assistant. Instructors have access to an analytics dashboard that shows anonymous summaries of frequently discussed topics and usage patterns, but they cannot view your individual conversations or questions. Learn more about what instructors can see in the analytics dashboard.
You can export or share conversations if you choose to, but by default, all interactions remain confidential to you.
Key interface features
New Chat
Start a fresh conversation with your Assistant. Each new chat begins without the context of previous conversations.
History
Access, rename, export, or delete your previous conversations. You can also continue any past conversation by clicking on it.
Info
View the name and description of the Assistant, including what it’s designed to help you with.
Attach
Upload files to provide context to your questions. Supported file types include:
- Images (.jpeg, .jpg, .png, etc.) for visual context like diagrams, screenshots, or handwritten notes
- PDF files (.pdf) for sharing documents or course materials
- Word documents (.docx) for text-based content
- Text files (.txt) for plain text content
Support
Access help documentation and contact the Nectir support team if you encounter any technical issues or have questions.
A great first question to ask is: “What can you help me with in this course?” This will give you an overview of how your instructor has designed the Assistant to support you.
To begin interacting with your Assistant:
- Click on the text input area at the bottom of the screen
- Type a question or greeting (for example, “Hello, can you tell me what you can help me with in this course?”)
- Press Enter or click the send button
Your Assistant will respond based on how it was trained by your instructor. Each response is personalized to your specific question and course materials.
When asking questions, think about what you already understand and what you’re trying to learn. This helps you develop valuable metacognitive skills—the ability to monitor your own understanding.
How Your Assistant Can Help You
Course Content Clarification
Course Content Clarification
Ask questions about lecture material, readings, or course concepts you find challenging. The Assistant can explain complex topics in different ways until you understand.
Example prompts:
- “Can you explain the concept of [topic] in simpler terms?”
- “What are the key points from the reading on [subject]?”
- “I don’t understand [concept]. Can you break it down for me?”
- “Can you help me identify connections between [concept A] and [concept B]?”
Assignment Guidance
Assignment Guidance
Get clarification on assignment requirements, brainstorm ideas, or receive feedback on your approach. The Assistant won’t do your work for you but can help you understand how to complete it successfully.
Example prompts:
- “Can you help me understand the requirements for this assignment?”
- “I’m stuck on how to start my essay about [topic]. What approach would you suggest?”
- “What should a good [assignment type] include?”
- “What critical thinking questions should I consider when analyzing [topic]?”
Exam Preparation
Exam Preparation
Prepare for tests and exams by reviewing key concepts, creating study plans, or practicing with sample questions.
Example prompts:
- “I have an upcoming exam in [subject]. What should I focus on studying?”
- “Can you help me create a study plan for my midterm?”
- “Can you quiz me on [topic] to help me prepare for my test?”
Research Assistance
Research Assistance
Get help finding resources, organizing research, or understanding methodologies for papers and projects.
Example prompts:
- “What are some credible sources I could use for my paper on [topic]?”
- “How should I structure my research paper about [subject]?”
- “Can you explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods?”
Learning Strategies
Learning Strategies
Discover effective study techniques, time management strategies, or approaches to improve your learning.
Example prompts:
- “What are some effective ways to memorize [subject] terminology?”
- “How can I better manage my time with all my coursework?”
- “What learning strategies work well for [subject/topic]?”
See It in Action
Watch how to interact with your Nectir AI Assistant
Why Choose Nectir AI
Unlike generic AI tools, Nectir AI is your dedicated academic partner, designed specifically to help you excel in your courses.
Your Personalized Learning Companion
Nectir AI enhances your learning because:
- It’s always available: Access course-specific support 24/7, right within your learning platform
- It’s course-specific: Trained on your actual syllabus, readings, and assignments to provide accurate, relevant guidance
- It’s designed by your instructors: Your professors helped create and customize Nectir AI to match their teaching style and course goals
- It builds real understanding: Guides you through concepts step-by-step instead of just giving answers
- It speaks your professor’s language: Understands course expectations and grading criteria to help you meet academic standards
- It’s secure and trusted: Your data stays private and your work maintains academic integrity
Important Limitations: Nectir AI can’t access the internet, complete assignments for you, see your grades, or access information not included in your course materials.
Nectir AI vs. Generic AI Tools
| Feature | Nectir AI | Generic AI Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Connected to your course materials | ✓ | ✗ |
| Understands your assignments | ✓ | ✗ |
| Designed specifically for learning | ✓ | ✗ |
| Proven academic results | ✓ | ✗ |
| Develops your thinking skills | ✓ | ⚠️ |
| Supports academic integrity | ✓ | ⚠️ |
| Encourages critical evaluation of information | ✓ | ⚠️ |
Research-Backed Results
Students at Los Angeles Pacific University who used Nectir AI saw impressive improvements:
+20% GPA increase
+13% Final grades
+36% Motivation boost
+13% Self-efficacy
Source - OpenPraxis Journal
Tips for Getting the Most from Nectir AI
Quick Strategy Guide
Be Specific and Clear
Be Specific and Clear
❌ Instead of Vague Requests:
“Help with math”
Note
Too broad, leads to general information
✅ Specify Exactly What You Need:
“Can you explain how to solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula? I’m confused about when to use the positive vs. negative version of the square root.”
Why This Works
Specific Concept
Confusion Point
Learning Needs
Learn More
For more examples and techniques, see our complete guide on asking effective questions
Provide Relevant Context
Provide Relevant Context
❌ Instead of Context-free Questions:
“What is photosynthesis?”
Note
Generic question that misses your specific learning needs
✅ Add Your Learning Context:
“I’m writing a paper comparing photosynthesis in C3 and C4 plants. I understand the basic process, but I’m struggling to explain the evolutionary advantages of C4 photosynthesis in dry environments.”
Effective Ways to Add Context
Share Knowledge
Mention Assignment
Specify Preferences
Reference Materials
Use Strategic Follow-up Questions
Use Strategic Follow-up Questions
❌ Instead of Ending the Conversation:
“Thanks for the explanation.”
Note
Misses opportunity to deepen understanding
✅ Probe Deeper with Follow-ups:
“Thanks for explaining Newton’s laws. Could you give me a real-world example of how the third law applies to rocket propulsion? I’m still having trouble visualizing the action-reaction principle.”
Powerful Follow-up Questions
Different Analogy
“Could you explain that using a different analogy?”
Connect Concepts
“How does this concept connect to what we learned last week?”
Confirm Understanding
“If I understand correctly, X happens because of Y?”
Common Misconceptions
“What are the most common misconceptions about this topic?”
💡 Key Takeaway: The quality of your questions determines the quality of your learning. Be specific, provide context, and follow up to deepen your understanding.
Troubleshooting and Support
For Issues with Assistant Responses or Knowledge
For Issues with Assistant Responses or Knowledge
Contact your instructor if:
- The Assistant doesn’t know about specific course content
- Responses seem inaccurate for course material
- You need additional materials added to the Assistant
Your instructor created and trained the Assistant, so they’re best positioned to address content-related issues.
For Technical Problems with the Platform
For Technical Problems with the Platform
Contact Nectir Support at support@nectir.io if:
- You can’t access the platform
- You’re getting error messages
- The interface isn’t working correctly
- You need help with features or functionality
Before reaching out to the support team, we recommend trying these helpful resources:
- Quick fixes: Refresh your browser or clear your browser cache
- Find answers: Use the search bar at the top of this documentation site to find immediate solutions
- Get AI help: Chat with the Nectir AI Support Assistant if available in your workspace
- Contact the Nectir Team: Use the support button in the Nectir interface for direct assistance
Not Getting the Help You Need? Try These Tips
Not Getting the Help You Need? Try These Tips
If your Assistant’s responses aren’t giving you what you need:
- Be specific: Instead of “Help with my essay,” try “Help me outline an argumentative essay about climate change”
- Add context: Mention what you already know or what you’re working on
- Use follow-ups: If the first answer isn’t enough, ask for examples or clarification
- Rephrase your question: Try asking in a different way if you’re not getting helpful answers
Check out our complete guide on asking effective questions for more tips. If you’ve tried these techniques and still aren’t getting helpful responses, let your instructor know.