Configuring Student Information (Manage TA Page 2)
Written By Asad Jobanputra
Last updated 3 months ago
Overview
Use this guide to configure the immediate student-facing components of your VTA. This includes writing the Welcome Message (the VTA's opening greeting) and defining four Conversation Starters to give students an idea of the VTA's capabilities.
Who it's For
Instructors: To control the VTA's initial tone and set boundaries for student use.
Instructional Designers: To standardize messaging across course sections.
Why Use It
The initial setup is the first impression the VTA makes on a student.
Clarity of Function: The Conversation Starters help students understand what the VTA can do (e.g., "Explain a concept") versus what it cannot do (e.g., "Write my essay").
Set Expectations: The Welcome Message should provide rules and context immediately, reducing confusion and preventing misuse.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Write the Welcome Message
The Welcome Message is the greeting that appears immediately when a student opens the VTA. This is where you provide any initial instruction text for the user.
Locate the Welcome Message text field.
Provide the student-facing text you want the VTA to display.
Best Practice Example: "Hello! I am your VTA for EnvScience. I've been trained on the syllabus and all lecture materials. Ask me to explain the nitrogen cycle or confirm a reading due date. For grading and extension requests, please email Professor Smith."
2. Define Conversation Starters
Conversation Starters appear as clickable buttons below the welcome message, encouraging students to start an interaction based on the VTA's strengths.
Locate the four suggestion fields: Suggestion question 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Enter specific, clear questions that demonstrate the VTA's core functionality.