Assistant Prompt
Knowledge Scope
Configure the boundaries of information your Assistant can access and understand.
Overview
Knowledge scope defines the boundaries of information your Assistant can access and understand. This setting determines how much external knowledge your Assistant can use alongside your uploaded training documents.
Knowledge Scope Options
General Knowledge
What it includes: Your documents plus the full breadth of knowledge from our advanced AI models (GPT-4.1, Claude Sonnet 4, and Gemini 2.5 Pro).Best for: Assistants that need comprehensive, up-to-date information beyond your specific course materials.Example use cases: Research assistants, general tutors, or assistants that need current information from various sources.
Topic Knowledge
What it includes: Your documents and only the relevant topics from the AI models based on your documents, the prompt, and user input.Best for: Assistants that should stay focused on your course content while having access to relevant background information.Example use cases: Course tutors, subject-specific assistants, or assistants that provide context without going off-topic.
Document Only
What it includes: Only the information in the documents you upload. No access to AI models.Best for: Assistants that should only reference your specific course materials and nothing else.Example use cases: Syllabus assistants, assignment-specific helpers, or assistants that must stick strictly to your materials.
How to Configure Knowledge Scope
1
Access Assistant Settings
Click on your Assistant and select Settings on the top right of the page
2
Navigate to Prompt Tab
Click on the Prompt tab in the sidebar
3
Select Knowledge Scope
Choose either General knowledge, Topic knowledge, or Document only
4
Save Your Selection
Click Save changes to apply your knowledge scope setting
Choosing the Right Option
When to Use General Knowledge
When to Use General Knowledge
Choose General Knowledge when you want your Assistant to:
- Provide comprehensive, up-to-date information beyond your course materials
- Access current events, recent research, or latest developments in the field
- Offer broad context and background information
- Act as a research assistant with wide-ranging knowledge
When to Use Topic Knowledge
When to Use Topic Knowledge
Choose Topic Knowledge when you want your Assistant to:
- Stay focused on your course content while providing relevant context
- Offer background information that’s directly related to your materials
- Provide explanations without going too far off-topic
- Balance course-specific guidance with helpful context
When to Use Document Only
When to Use Document Only
Choose Document Only when you want your Assistant to:
- Reference only your specific course materials
- Avoid any external information or interpretations
- Stick strictly to your syllabus, assignments, and uploaded documents
- Provide answers based solely on your provided content
Best Practices
Important: Your knowledge scope setting works in combination with your Assistant’s prompt. Make sure both are aligned with your teaching goals.
Start Conservative
Begin with Document Only or Topic Knowledge to ensure your Assistant stays focused on your course content.
Test and Adjust
Monitor your Assistant’s responses and adjust the knowledge scope if needed based on student feedback.
Consider Your Subject
Technical subjects may benefit from General Knowledge, while specific course assistants work better with Document Only.
Review Regularly
Periodically review your knowledge scope setting as your course content and goals evolve.
Next Steps
Assistant Prompt
Set the directions that shape your Assistant’s behavior
Advanced Features
Configure AI models and advanced options
Video Tutorial
See Knowledge Configuration in Action
Watch how to set knowledge scope and configure AI models