Add An AI Search Engine to Your Canvas Course

Introduction

Integrating artificial intelligence into your Canvas modules can greatly enhance the learning experience for your students. One effective method to achieve this is through AI-based search engines like Andy. Andy combines chatbot functionality with a search engine, allowing students to retrieve information in an interactive manner without requiring any logins. This feature is particularly advantageous when considering student privacy, as it ensures that sensitive personal information such as names, dates of birth, or email addresses are not collected or stored.

Advantages of Using AI Search Engines

While Andy’s focus on privacy means that conversations are not saved, it is still a practical starting point for incorporating AI in the classroom. To illustrate, let’s look at how to use Andy to search for information about volcanoes. A simple prompt could be: “Explain volcanoes as if I were a kindergarten student.” This basic approach helps clarify complex topics in straightforward, direct language.

However, while Andy might provide some useful insights, it’s essential to pair that information with credible sources. Websites like Britannica for Kids and National Geographic are reliable references to validate the output from Andy. Teaching students to differentiate between credible and potentially sketchy sources is an important part of media literacy education.

Another beneficial aspect is Andy provides options to summarize information quickly, which can be particularly useful for young learners who may not be ready to sift through lengthy texts. It's crucial, however, to remember that any conversations held on the platform will not be saved, so educators might want to embed the search tool directly into their Canvas course modules.

Embedding Andy Search in Canvas

When working in the Canvas platform, it’s beneficial to create a dedicated page for Andy Search. This will allow students to easily access the search engine without navigating away from the course materials. Using an iframe generator to embed the search tool can streamline this process. For instance, you can specify the dimensions you want (like 1200x800 pixels) to create a user-friendly interface.

Once the code is generated, place it on a new Canvas page labeled “Andy Search.” This approach also prevents students from becoming lost in navigation. Additionally, creating a discussion board where students can converse about their findings can enhance collaboration. Discussions allow students to engage with each other and help answer any questions that may arise, thus fostering a community of learning.

Privacy Benefits

Using an AI search engine like Andy not only supports educational engagement but also safeguards student privacy. There’s no need for personal logins, which reduces concerns over data breaches or misuse. Consequently, educators can focus more on teaching and less on managing student information.

In conclusion, embedding an AI search engine such as Andy into your Canvas course is an excellent method of enriching educational experience without compromising student privacy. It offers a simple chat tool for students to learn and explore various subjects effectively.

Keyword

AI search engine, Canvas course, Andy, student privacy, volcanoes, credible sources, media literacy, embed, discussions, interactive learning.

FAQ

1. What is Andy?

   • Andy is an AI-based search engine that combines chatbot features with traditional search functions, allowing students to retrieve information interactively without needing logins.

2. How does Andy protect student privacy?

   • Andy does not require students to log in, which means that sensitive data like names and contact information is not collected or stored.

3. Can conversations from Andy be saved?

   • No, conversations held on Andy will not be saved once the student navigates away from the page.

4. How can teachers embed Andy into their Canvas course?

   • Teachers can use an iframe generator to embed the Andy search tool into a dedicated page in Canvas for easy access.

5. What are some reliable sources to check against Andy's output?

   • Websites like Britannica for Kids and National Geographic are recommended as they are known for providing credible information.