AI Assist Overview
9 smart features powered by local, browser-native, and cloud AI — summarization, simplification, knowledge graphs, and more.
What’s in This Section
AI Assist provides 9 intelligent features that help you understand content, simplify complex text, and learn more effectively. Choose from four AI modes — Off, Local AI (Ollama), Browser AI (WebLLM), or Cloud (Claude, GPT, Gemini, Perplexity) — and switch between them instantly using the inline mode switcher in the popup.
Features: Text Simplification, Summarization, Citation Analyzer, Assignment Breakdown, Emotional TTS, Knowledge Graph, Socratic Tutor, Study Path Generator, Multi-Document Compare
Getting Started with AI
Inline Mode Switcher
Switch AI modes directly from the popup — no settings page needed:
- Click the AssisT icon to open the popup
- In the AI Assist section, you’ll see a row of mode chips: Off, Cloud, Browser AI, Local AI
- Click any chip to switch instantly
- A contextual panel appears below with mode-specific controls
Privacy-First Options
| Mode | How It Works | Privacy | Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off | No AI processing — all 35+ features still work | N/A | None |
| Local AI (Ollama) | AI runs on your computer | No data leaves device | Install Ollama |
| Browser AI (WebLLM) | AI runs in your browser tab via WebGPU | No data leaves device | None — just download a model |
| Cloud (Optional) | Uses Claude, GPT, Gemini, or Perplexity APIs | Data sent to provider | Paste API key |
Setting Up Browser AI with WebLLM (Easiest Private AI)
Zero-install AI that runs entirely in your browser:
- Click the Browser AI chip in the popup
- Browse available models in the model picker
- Click Download on a model (recommended: gemma-2b or phi-3.5-mini for starters)
- Wait for download to complete — progress bar shows status
- Click Load — the model initialises in your browser
Benefits: No software to install, completely private, free, works offline after download.
Setting Up Local AI with Ollama (Most Capable Private AI)
AI runs entirely on your computer — strongest models, most control.
- Install Ollama on your computer
- Download a model:
ollama pull qwen3:8b-q4_K_M - Click the Local AI chip in the popup
- AssisT auto-detects Ollama and shows your models in a dropdown
- Select your preferred model
Benefits: Complete privacy, works offline, no ongoing costs, largest model selection.
For detailed setup instructions (including step-by-step terminal guidance for beginners), see the Ollama Setup Guide.
Setting Up Cloud AI (Most Powerful)
The most capable AI — just paste an API key.
- Get an API key from your chosen provider (Google AI Studio, Anthropic, OpenAI, or Perplexity)
- Click the Cloud chip in the popup
- Select your provider from the dropdown
- Enter your API key
- Choose a model — key is stored locally, never shared
Trade-offs: Requires internet, data sent to API provider (not to Fiavaion). Google Gemini offers a free API key (no credit card required) with models like Gemini 2.5 Flash (250 req/day) and Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite (unlimited) — more than enough for regular student use. Other providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, Perplexity) are paid.
AI Features
Text Simplification
What it does: Rewrites complex text in simpler language.
How to use:
- Select text you want simplified
- Right-click or use highlight menu
- Click Simplify
- Simplified version appears
Best for: Academic papers, legal documents, technical content
Summarization
What it does: Creates concise summaries of long content.
How to use:
- Select text or use on entire page
- Click Summarize in the AI menu
- Summary appears in sidebar
Best for: Long articles, research papers, study materials
Citation Analyzer
What it does: Evaluates source credibility using the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose).
How to use:
- On any webpage, click Analyze Source in AI menu
- AI evaluates the source
- See scores for each CRAAP criterion
- Get overall credibility rating
Best for: Research assignments, fact-checking, source evaluation
Assignment Breakdown
What it does: Decomposes complex assignments into manageable tasks.
How to use:
- Select assignment text
- Click Break Down Assignment
- See step-by-step task list with suggested order
Best for: Large projects, multi-part assignments, getting started when stuck
Emotional TTS (AI-Enhanced)
What it does: Text-to-speech with expressive, natural-sounding voices.
How to use:
- Enable Emotional TTS in AI settings
- Use TTS as normal
- Voice includes appropriate emotion and emphasis
Note: Requires cloud AI or a capable local model.
Knowledge Graph
What it does: Visualizes concepts and relationships from text.
How to use:
- Select educational content
- Click Generate Knowledge Graph
- Interactive visualization shows concept connections
Best for: Understanding complex topics, visual learners, study review
Socratic Tutor
What it does: Helps you learn through guided questions rather than direct answers.
How to use:
- Enter a topic or question
- AI asks guiding questions
- Arrive at understanding through dialogue
Best for: Deep learning, critical thinking, active engagement
Study Path Generator
What it does: Creates personalized learning sequences for topics.
How to use:
- Enter a topic you want to learn
- AI generates step-by-step learning path
- Follow suggested order of concepts
Best for: Self-directed learning, test preparation, new subjects
Multi-Document Compare
What it does: Analyses and contrasts multiple text sources side-by-side, identifying agreements, contradictions, and unique insights.
How to use:
- Select text from a first source
- Add it to the comparison panel
- Select text from a second source and add it
- Click Compare for AI analysis
Best for: Research papers, comparing arguments, cross-referencing sources, literature review
AI Status Bars
Every AI feature displays a persistent status bar that shows:
- Current AI mode and availability status
- Orange warning when AI is unavailable (with clickable setup links)
- Green confirmation after successful AI processing
- The specific mode used (e.g., “Processed with Local AI — qwen3:8b”)
This means you always know at a glance whether AI is ready and which backend is handling your requests.
AI Settings
In the Popup (Inline Mode Switcher):
| Control | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode chips | Off, Cloud, Browser AI, Local AI — click to switch |
| Cloud panel | Provider selector, API key input, model dropdown |
| Browser AI panel | Model picker with download/load buttons, progress bars |
| Local AI panel | Ollama status, live model dropdown |
In Advanced Options Modal:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Provider | Off, Cloud (Claude/GPT/Gemini/Perplexity), Browser AI (WebLLM), or Local (Ollama) |
| Model | Specific model to use |
| API Key | For cloud providers only |
| Response length | Brief, standard, or detailed |
| Auto-simplify | Automatically simplify complex text |
For Educators & Parents
Educational Benefits
For students with learning disabilities:
- Simplification makes content accessible
- Summaries reduce reading burden
- Assignment breakdown prevents overwhelm
For students with ADHD:
- Summaries help with long-form focus
- Assignment breakdown creates structure
- Socratic Tutor maintains engagement
For all learners:
- Knowledge graphs support visual learning
- Study paths provide direction
- Citation analyzer builds research skills
Classroom Considerations
Academic integrity:
- AI features assist understanding, not complete work
- Socratic Tutor guides learning without giving answers
- Simplification helps access, not bypass, content
Privacy guidance:
- Local AI (Ollama) and Browser AI (WebLLM) keep all data on device
- Cloud AI requires explicit opt-in
- No student data is collected by AssisT
- Status bars always show which AI mode is active — full transparency
When to Use AI Features
| Situation | Recommended Features |
|---|---|
| Understanding difficult text | Simplification, Summarization |
| Starting large assignments | Assignment Breakdown |
| Research projects | Citation Analyzer, Multi-Doc Compare |
| Studying for tests | Knowledge Graph, Study Path |
| Deep learning | Socratic Tutor |
| Comparing sources | Multi-Document Compare |
| Listening with expression | Emotional TTS |
Full AI Documentation
For complete details on AI features, privacy, setup, and troubleshooting:
AI Features & Privacy — Comprehensive AI guide
This includes:
- Detailed setup instructions for all providers
- Privacy and compliance information (GDPR, FERPA, HIPAA)
- System requirements for local AI
- Troubleshooting guide
- Performance optimization