Plugin catalogue · Text filter

Owlia Block Assistant

v1.2.0Stable AIMoodle 4.5 – 5.3

AI explanations under every code block — help the moment learners get stuck.

Block Assistant adds a small AI panel under every code block in course content. A learner picks a language and a button — by default: explain, explain in a lighter or a more formal tone, give examples, or ask me questions — and the answer streams in right below the code. If the code sits in an editable (ACE) code editor, the learner's edited version is sent instead.

The buttons and their prompts are set by the administrator and can be overridden per course; individual blocks can opt out. It works on course pages for learners and instructors with the capability, and stores nothing.

Learning alignment

The value for learners and instructors

Where this plugin genuinely supports learning — and where it does not.

Just-in-time help

Core

Learners who get stuck on a piece of code can ask for an explanation on the spot, in their own time, and keep moving.

Self-testing

Supporting

The examples and questions buttons let learners apply the idea and check their own understanding.

Multilingual access

Supporting

Answers come in English, French, German, Italian or Portuguese by default (configurable).

Instructor workload

Supporting

No authoring per code block; instructors can tune the prompts per course.

What it does not do

It works on code blocks only — not on maths or formulas — so it mainly helps programming and technical courses. It does not review learners' own work and gives instructors no view of what was asked.

Installation

Install in a few minutes

Requirements

Moodle
4.5 – 5.3
Component
filter_owliblockassistant
Folder
filter/owliblockassistant
Interface
English

Dependencies

  • Owlia Connect Suite ≥ 1.7.0Requiredlocal_owliasuiteHolds the Owlia connection and organisation API keys.
  • Owlia account and planRequiredaccount.mysleipnir.luYour organisation's plan must include this plugin.
  1. 1

    Install the foundation hub

    Install Owlia Connect Suite (local_owliasuite) first and connect it to your Owlia account in Site administration → Plugins → Local plugins → Owlia Connect Suite.

  2. 2

    Install Block Assistant

    Upload the ZIP in Site administration → Plugins → Install plugins (or copy the folder to filter/owliblockassistant), then complete the upgrade from Site administration → Notifications.

  3. 3

    Enable the filter

    Turn it on in Site administration → Plugins → Filters → Manage filters (it installs switched off). It can also be enabled per course or activity.

  4. 4

    Review the buttons

    Check the buttons, prompts and answer languages in the filter's settings. Code must be in preformatted code blocks (<pre><code>).

Data & privacy

  • Nothing is stored in Moodle; the answer language is remembered in the browser.
  • Per click, the code, the button prompt, the answer language and the course name are sent — no user id, name or email.
  • Learners are warned not to include personal information.
Support & links

Help when you need it

Download

Owlia Block Assistant will be available from the Moodle plugins directory and from its public GitHub repository in the near future.