Configuring Course Details (Manage TA Page 1)

Overview

Use this guide to complete the basic configuration of your Virtual Teaching Assistant (VTA) by providing necessary course details, linking the LMS, and entering instructor/TA contact information. These details ensure the VTA is correctly identified within the CampusMind platform.

Who it's For

• Instructors: To set up their specific course VTA.

• LMS Admins: To ensure the correct LMS Type and URLs are entered for LTI integration.

Why Use It

Accurate course details are essential because they:

• Enable Integration: The LMS Type and URL are necessary for the VTA to connect and sync with your course content (Syllabus, Assignments, etc.).

• Provide Context: The VTA name, course name, and code are displayed to students, ensuring they know they are talking to the correct course assistant.

  Field/Section	Action	Notes/Why It Matters
  Virtual Teaching Assistant name*	Enter a unique name for the VTA.	This name will be displayed on your profile and often serves as the VTA's persona name (e.g., "VTA - EnvScience," "Professor CB's Assistant").
  LMS Type*	Select your Learning Management System type: Canvas or Blackboard.	Crucial for the VTA to use the correct LTI connection protocol for secure data transfer.
  Canvas Course URL*	Paste the direct URL (web address) of your specific course.	CampusMind uses this URL, along with the Course ID, to locate your course shell for synchronization.
  Course ID	Enter the unique numeric ID assigned to your course in the LMS.	This ID is necessary for establishing a secure, persistent connection (LTI) between CampusMind and the LMS.
  Course Name and Course Code	Click the Sync Course Information button.	This button attempts to pull the name and code directly from the LMS using the URL and ID you provided. If successful, this saves time.
  Description	Provide a brief description of the course. (Max 467 characters).	This text appears on the VTA's profile card for students and provides context on the course material.
  Course Logo	Click Upload Course Logo or drag and drop a file. (SVG, PNG, JPG, or GIF, max. 800x400px).	Recommended to use the same logo as in your LMS to ensure brand consistency for students.
  Instructor Name and Instructor Email	Enter the lead instructor's contact details.	These details can be displayed to students to ensure transparency, showing who manages the VTA.
  TA Name and TA Email	Enter the Teaching Assistant's contact details, if applicable.	Useful for large courses where students may need to escalate questions from the VTA to a human TA.
  Course Start Date* and Course End Date*	Select the dates from the calendar picker.	Important: This helps the VTA manage its knowledge base, allowing it to de-prioritize or archive content after the course ends.