Create a Custom Tutor Bot Using POE

This challenge demonstrates the potential of AI tools to support personalized and adaptive learning by simulating tutor-like interactions tailored to specific student needs.

Using POE’s chatbot creation platform, educators can build custom AI tutors that reflect their instructional style and provide contextual, student-centered assistance. This activity highlights how generative AI can extend classroom support, scaffold independent learning, and engage students through intentional design choices.

Challenge

POE (Platform for Online Engagement) lets you build your own AI-powered chatbot using models like GPT-4 or Claude 3. These tutor bots can answer student questions, explain tough concepts, provide feedback, or model different coaching styles.

In this challenge, you’ll create a subject-specific tutor bot, define its teaching style, and test how it supports learning in your course or discipline.

Instructions

1. Sign into POE: Visit https://poe.com/ and log in or create a free account.
2. Click “Create Bot”: Start a new bot creation from the homepage.
3. Choose a Handle: Pick a memorable and descriptive bot name (e.g., BiologyBuddy, EssayCoach, or MathMentor).
4. Select Base Bot:
   Choose “Use Prompt” and select GPT-4 or Claude 3 as the base model.
5. Add a Structured Prompt:
   Use a prompt like: “Act as a calm and encouraging university-level tutor who helps students understand core biology concepts with examples, analogies, and step-by-step explanations.”
   You can refine this depending on the bot’s intended subject or audience.
6. (Optional) Upload a Reference Document:
   Add a syllabus, rubric, or reading guide for the bot to refer to (mind privacy!).
7. Set a Greeting Message:
   Write a warm, welcoming intro message such as: “Hi there! What biology topic are you working on today?”
8. Click “Create Bot”: Finalize and save.
9. Share the Bot:
   Copy the link and test it. Share it with students or colleagues

Reflect and Share

What does this challenge reveal about the role of AI in teaching and learning? Try it out and share what you discovered in the comment box below, whether it’s your final product, a reflection, or a surprising insight.