Using AI chatbots in teaching and directly in ILIAS

⚠️ Important: The "Assistant" object is now available in ILIAS. However, if the course has already been created, the assistant may not yet be visible to you. This only happens when the rights are set for it .

The ILIAS assistant is a new chat object that teachers can use directly in their courses. The integration of language models creates interactive learning environments in which learners receive individual support. Teachers configure the interaction using prompts and can provide their own material for the chat.

The assistant supports teachers in a variety of areas:

  • Individual support: teachers can define specific instructions so that the chatbot acts as a coach, tutor or routine assistant.
  • Interactivity: Learners have conversations with the coach, can ask questions and receive explanations on complex topics.
  • Multilingualism: The chatbots can be created in one language using the large language models, but respond to students in different languages. This supports international students in particular.
  • Data protection & security: The assistants are used via the KIT infrastructure. When using local models, all data remains protected within KIT. When using cloud models, the intended use should be compared with the terms of use of the AI Toolbox . An overview of the available models can be found on the KI-Toolbox website. Teachers also have the option of deciding for themselves whether chat histories are saved automatically or not saved at all - this ensures that students' privacy is protected. Students can delete their own chat histories at any time.

Contact
Franziska Wandelmaier (Operations)
Phone: +49 721 608-48198
E-mail: ilias∂studium.kit.edu

Andreas Sexauer (Didactics)
Phone: +49 721 608-48215
E-mail: andreas.sexauer∂kit.edu

ki-toolbox∂scc.kit.edu (KI Toolbox)

Instructions

Examples for use in teaching: Didactic chatbot types

Custom chatbots: Advanced functions, usage scenarios & tips

Choose your assistant

A suitable variant is available for the different didactic requirements - from quick integration to individually configured, context-rich assistants.

Robotergesicht mit Staupte- oder Chat-Dokumenten in Armen, ikonische Hilfefigur.

Option 1: KI toolbox (recommended)

Maximum flexibility - prepare now
⏱ approx. 45-60 min. preparation + approx. 5 min. in ILIAS

You configure the assistant in the KI toolbox (Open WebUI) - with advanced settings and several documents as a knowledge base. You then integrate it into ILIAS with just a few clicks.

In variant 1, external AI models can be used. Use is based on the current budget limit of a maximum of USD 25 per user per month. Experience has shown that this limit is sufficient for most use cases. For very large events or temporarily very high usage volumes, we recommend setting up a service account (see API instructions).

Well suited for:

  • Assistants with an extensive knowledge base
  • Use in several courses
  • Scenarios that are to be adapted regularly
To the instructions

Kleine Roboterfigur mit Dateirolle vor neutralem Hintergrund (ALT-Beschreibung).

Variant 2: ILIAS + one document

Answers based on your materials
⏱ approx. 15 minutes, available from SoSe 2026

You create the assistant directly in ILIAS, give it its role via system prompt and upload a document (e.g. script, guide or set of slides). The assistant incorporates this knowledge into its answers and can therefore provide more specific answers.

In variant 2, only local AI models are available. External models are not integrated and therefore no budget limits apply.

Well suited for:

  • Tutor bots with a script as a basis
  • Guide bots for procedural processes
  • Course-accompanying bots with slide sets
To the tutorial

Ein stilisierter Roboter-Symbol-Charakter mit runden Kopf und Körper, Antenne oben.

Variant 3: ILIAS only

Quick & easy - ideal for beginners
⏱ approx. 10 minutes, available from SoSe 2026

You create the assistant directly in ILIAS and give it its role and instructions via the system prompt. No further tools or documents required.

In variant 3, only local AI models are available. External models are not integrated and therefore no budget limits apply.

Well suited for:

  • Learning coaches or tutor bots
  • FAQ bots for organizational questions
  • Socratic dialog partners
To the tutorial

Quickstart: 4 steps to your first chatbot

  • Step 1: Prepare the system prompt
    Define the role, tone and rules for your bot. Helpful templates can be found in the system prompt instructions, the associated concepts in the description of possible types.
  • Step 2: Select variant
    Decide which configuration variant suits you best.
  • Step 3: Create chatbot
    Follow the instructions for your chosen variant.
    • Option 1: Start with the KI toolbox configuration (already possible now)
    • Option 2 & 3: Set up in ILIAS from the start of lectures
  • Step 4: Test and adapt
    Check the answers and optimize if necessary. You can find tips on quality assurance in the validation guide.