When Dot, an Assistant, or a Teacher/Staff Space searches the web to answer your question, you can now see exactly which websites it referenced. Just click the Sources button at the bottom of the response to view the list, then click any source to visit the site.
This is just one more step in our commitment to keep you aware and in control of what reaches your classroom.
Where you'll see sources
Source citations appear in teacher and staff chat experiences:
Dot, your AI teaching partner
Assistants, such as the Research Assistant, Coteacher, and Curriculum Coach
Teacher/Staff Spaces
The Sources button only shows up when the AI actually searches the web for that response. If Dot answered from what it already knows, or from a file you uploaded, you won't see a web search source.
Note: Web search and source citations are not currently available in student experiences, including student Spaces and Sidekick.
How to view sources
Ask Dot, an Assistant, or a Teacher/Staff Space a question that needs current or outside information. For example: "What are some recent studies on the benefits of retrieval practice for middle schoolers?"
When the response finishes, look for the Sources button at the bottom of the response.
Click Sources to open the panel and see the websites used to build the answer.
Click any source to open that website and read the original.
Tip: Want Dot to look something up? Just say so. Phrases like "search the web for..." or "find current information on..." make it clear you want outside sources.
Tips for double-checking AI-generated information
AI is a starting point, but sources make it easy to verify.
Check key facts before you share them. Dates, statistics, and quotes are worth a quick click, especially in lesson materials or parent communications.
Consider the source. Is it a reputable organization, a research institution, or a news outlet? Or a personal blog or forum?
Look for recency. For fast-changing topics, make sure the information is up to date.
Ask Dot to dig deeper. If a source looks thin, try "Can you find a more authoritative source for that?" or "Only use sources from .gov or .edu sites."
Model it for students. Walking through the Sources panel together is a great way to teach digital literacy and source evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't I see a Sources button on every response? The button only appears when the AI searched the web to respond. Many responses, like drafting a lesson plan or rewriting text you pasted in, don't need a web search.
Can my students see sources? Not yet. Web search and source citations are currently available only in teacher and staff experiences. Students working in Spaces or Sidekicks will not see a Sources button.
Do I need to turn this on? No. Source citations are available to all teachers and staff automatically.
Does this cost extra? No. Source citations come with web search wherever it's available on your plan.