AI Assist Overview
Smart features powered by local and cloud AI — summarization, simplification, and more.
What’s in This Section
AI Assist provides intelligent features that help you understand content, simplify complex text, and learn more effectively. Choose between completely local AI (Ollama) or optional cloud AI (Claude, GPT, Gemini) based on your privacy preferences.
Features: Text Simplification, Summarization, Citation Analyzer, Assignment Breakdown, Emotional TTS, Knowledge Graph, Socratic Tutor, Study Path Generator
Getting Started with AI
Privacy-First Options
AssisT offers two AI modes:
| Mode | How It Works | Privacy |
|---|---|---|
| Local (Ollama) | AI runs on your computer | No data leaves device |
| Cloud (Optional) | Uses Claude, GPT, or Gemini APIs | Data sent to provider |
Setting Up Local AI (Recommended)
- Install Ollama on your computer
- Download a model:
ollama pull llama3 - In AssisT, go to Settings → AI → Provider
- Select Ollama (Local)
- AssisT connects automatically
Setting Up Cloud AI (Optional)
- Get an API key from your chosen provider
- In AssisT, go to Settings → AI → Provider
- Select your provider (Claude, GPT, Gemini, Perplexity)
- Enter your API key
- Key is stored locally, never shared
AI Features
Text Simplification
What it does: Rewrites complex text in simpler language.
How to use:
- Select text you want simplified
- Right-click or use highlight menu
- Click Simplify
- Simplified version appears
Best for: Academic papers, legal documents, technical content
Summarization
What it does: Creates concise summaries of long content.
How to use:
- Select text or use on entire page
- Click Summarize in the AI menu
- Summary appears in sidebar
Best for: Long articles, research papers, study materials
Citation Analyzer
What it does: Evaluates source credibility using the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose).
How to use:
- On any webpage, click Analyze Source in AI menu
- AI evaluates the source
- See scores for each CRAAP criterion
- Get overall credibility rating
Best for: Research assignments, fact-checking, source evaluation
Assignment Breakdown
What it does: Decomposes complex assignments into manageable tasks.
How to use:
- Select assignment text
- Click Break Down Assignment
- See step-by-step task list with suggested order
Best for: Large projects, multi-part assignments, getting started when stuck
Emotional TTS (AI-Enhanced)
What it does: Text-to-speech with expressive, natural-sounding voices.
How to use:
- Enable Emotional TTS in AI settings
- Use TTS as normal
- Voice includes appropriate emotion and emphasis
Note: Requires cloud AI or a capable local model.
Knowledge Graph
What it does: Visualizes concepts and relationships from text.
How to use:
- Select educational content
- Click Generate Knowledge Graph
- Interactive visualization shows concept connections
Best for: Understanding complex topics, visual learners, study review
Socratic Tutor
What it does: Helps you learn through guided questions rather than direct answers.
How to use:
- Enter a topic or question
- AI asks guiding questions
- Arrive at understanding through dialogue
Best for: Deep learning, critical thinking, active engagement
Study Path Generator
What it does: Creates personalized learning sequences for topics.
How to use:
- Enter a topic you want to learn
- AI generates step-by-step learning path
- Follow suggested order of concepts
Best for: Self-directed learning, test preparation, new subjects
AI Settings
In AssisT Settings → AI:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Provider | Local (Ollama) or Cloud (Claude/GPT/Gemini) |
| Model | Specific model to use |
| API Key | For cloud providers only |
| Response length | Brief, standard, or detailed |
| Auto-simplify | Automatically simplify complex text |
For Educators & Parents
Educational Benefits
For students with learning disabilities:
- Simplification makes content accessible
- Summaries reduce reading burden
- Assignment breakdown prevents overwhelm
For students with ADHD:
- Summaries help with long-form focus
- Assignment breakdown creates structure
- Socratic Tutor maintains engagement
For all learners:
- Knowledge graphs support visual learning
- Study paths provide direction
- Citation analyzer builds research skills
Classroom Considerations
Academic integrity:
- AI features assist understanding, not complete work
- Socratic Tutor guides learning without giving answers
- Simplification helps access, not bypass, content
Privacy guidance:
- Local AI (Ollama) keeps all data on device
- Cloud AI requires explicit opt-in
- No student data is collected by AssisT
When to Use AI Features
| Situation | Recommended Features |
|---|---|
| Understanding difficult text | Simplification, Summarization |
| Starting large assignments | Assignment Breakdown |
| Research projects | Citation Analyzer |
| Studying for tests | Knowledge Graph, Study Path |
| Deep learning | Socratic Tutor |
Full AI Documentation
For complete details on AI features, privacy, setup, and troubleshooting:
AI Features & Privacy — Comprehensive AI guide
This includes:
- Detailed setup instructions for all providers
- Privacy and compliance information (GDPR, FERPA, HIPAA)
- System requirements for local AI
- Troubleshooting guide
- Performance optimization