Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas FAQs
What is Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas?
Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas (beta) is a generative AI assistant that can be directly integrated into your courses in UC Davis Canvas. The tool is built on a large language model (LLM) derived from OpenAI (the makers of ChatGPT), customized to limit its scope to only certain portions of your Canvas courses you choose. The tool is currently in an open beta and under active development. To learn more visit the Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas page.
Once enabled, Rocky in Canvas can reference the Announcements, Assignments, Files, Media Gallery, and Syllabus sections of your course. With a Teacher role, you can turn Rocky on and off for students at any time in a course and can limit the types of resources it can access.
How is Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas different from ChatGPT?
Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas is a dedicated tool integrated with the UC Davis Canvas Learning Management System, while ChatGPT only operates outside of Canvas. Rocky in Canvas has access to some information and resources that are included in a UC Davis Canvas course, and access is controlled by the instructor, ensuring Rocky only references approved types of information, such as the Syllabus or Files tools. ChatGPT is not restricted only to course content. Finally, while Rocky in Canvas does rely on OpenAI large language models (LLMs) to provide part of its service, the system itself was built and is maintained by UC Davis instead of a third-party vendor. OpenAI cannot use any data from Rocky in Canvas to test or train its models.
Is Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas different from Rocky on the Web?
Yes. Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas was purpose-built to provide information based on approved materials in a UC Davis Canvas course, and only Canvas users can access Rocky in Canvas. Rocky AI Chat is more general-purpose, referencing sources from UC Davis and around the internet, and is available to all of UC Davis, not just UC Davis Canvas users.
Is it OK to share personal information when using Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas?
You should not share any personal or sensitive information with Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas. While the Aggie AI Team works hard to maintain the security and stability of Rocky in Canvas, it is not cleared to receive users’ personal or sensitive information. As with all AI assistants, only share what is strictly necessary, and do not share sensitive personal information.
What kind of information is not allowed when using Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas?
Any type of data designated as P3 or above in the UCOP Electronic Information Security guide is not recommended to be shared with Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas. When in doubt, check with your instructor for guidance.
Does Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas hallucinate or provide inaccurate answers?
The Aggie AI team does its best to ensure Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas provides the most accurate information possible based on the learning tools and resources available in your Canvas course. However, it is in the nature of AI sometimes to hallucinate or provide inaccurate information. While Rocky can be a valuable resource and learning aid for students, each user must validate and verify information provided by Rocky. If your instructor, a textbook, or other resources seems to contradict an answer provided by Rocky, you are responsible for figuring out the best answer or information among those sources. We do not recommend using Rocky as a sole source of information.
What does it mean that Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas is an open beta?
Rocky AI in UC Davis Canvas being in open beta means the tool is available to instructors without a separate sign-up process while the product is still under later-stage development::
- Open: Rocky is available for campus use inside Canvas without needing pre-approval or provisioning from the Aggie AI team. Each instructor can enable or disable the tool and customize some features in Canvas (it is disabled by default).
- Beta: Features may not work perfectly. The tool is a work in progress with active development on features that are advertised as available. We encourage sending feedback based on your experiences, which can actively impact timelines and roadmaps for the future of Rocky in Canvas.