Getting Started with Nectir AI

What is Nectir AI?

Nectir AI is a FERPA-compliant educational AI platform that allows SMCCD Canvas users to create personalized AI Assistants for their classes and campus services. It integrates directly into our Learning Management Systems (LMS) - Canvas and is trained on course-specific content, such as syllabi, lecture materials, and audio/video resources.

The core function of Nectir AI is to provide 24/7 personalized support while reducing the repetitive workload for faculty and staff.

Why you'll love it

• One-click access with SSO: Students don't need separate logins, apps, or cluttered email sign-ups. With single sign-on (SSO), you launch Nectir AI directly within Canvas.

• Effortless onboarding: Full LMS integration means instant roster syncing- create your AI Assistant, sync your entire class roster effortlessly, and immediately embed your AI Assistant directly into your Canvas course page. Say goodbye to endless "How do I access the textbook?!" emails.

• Effortless student engagement: Embed Nectir AI into your assignments. Students can have conversations with the AI right in Canvas, then export and submit these chats as assignments, enhancing interaction and engagement.

• Streamlined teacher workflows: Forget toggling between platforms. Teachers can easily integrate AI-enhanced activities directly into their lesson plans, grading workflows, and classroom discussions without leaving Canvas.

• Instant academic support: Students receive immediate, personalized help right beside their coursework, encouraging consistent use of educational resources and boosting their confidence.

If you prefer video tutorials, check out this 5 part video series from Nectir that will take you through how to Create Your First AI Assistant.

How do I Enable Nectir AI in my Course?

Visit the support article below to learn how to enable Nectir AI in your Canvas course.

For additional support, visit Create Your First AI Assistant support article written by Nectir AI.

How do I create my AI Assistant?

Select the support guide below to learn how to create your first AI Assistant Bot.

How do I train my AI Assistant on my Course Content?

Visit the support article below to learn how to import and train your Nectir AI Assistant on the discussions, pages, modules, and assignment in your Canvas course.

Common Questions

• Q: Do I have to train my AI assistant on all the content in my course or can I choose which information it has access to?

  • A: As the instructor, you get to choose what content, assignments, and resources the AI Assistant has access to. During the import process, only select the content you want the AI to be trained on. The AI will not access or learn content that is not selected in this process.

• Q: Will the AI assistant have access to the internet or other external sources?

  • A: No; the Assistant will not pull in information from the internet. The AI Assistant will only be trained on the material/content you specifically upload or link from the course.

How do edit my AI's personality?

Visit the support article below to learn how to give your AI a specific tone, personality, and specific response types through Nectir AI Prompts.

Common Questions

• Q: What if I don't know how to write a prompt?

  • A: No problem! You can use Nectir AI's "Prompt Library" to choose from a variety of prompt templates to apply and edit to your personal AI Assistant. Review the "Tailoring your Nectir AI Assistant's Personality" guide to learn how to access the library.

Additional Support

How do I help students start using the AI Assistant?

If you choose to enable Nectir AI in your Canvas course, we highly recommend overviewing how to access the Nectir AI tool and how to use it with your students at the beginning of your course.

Below are a list of resources that can help you train students on Generative AI and Nectir AI Assistant:

• Understanding Generative AI (A short slide deck presentation)

• Help students start chatting with your AI Assistant by creating Conversation Starters

• Examples messages to send to the AI Assistant

What are my support options as an Instructor?

As an Instructor at Cañada College, you have a few support options available.

Fall 2026 DE Office Hours

• Tuesdays at 2:00-3:00pm via Zoom

Stop by our open office hours to learn more about Nectir AI, setup the tool, or troubleshoot any issues that you may encounter. If this time slot does not work for you, please feel free to reach out to our Instructional Technologist, Lindsey Irizarry, [email protected]

For 24/7 support, contact Nectir Support via their contact form.