About Topoi
Topoi is a process-oriented AI assistant designed to support thinking, reflection, and revision in writing—not to shortcut the journey, but to make it more engaging.
Unlike AI tools that generate full essays or complete tasks for students, Topoi acts more like a Socratic coach—offering prompts, asking questions, and helping users clarify their own ideas.
Our Values
- Integrity: We believe writing is thinking, and AI should support—not replace—that process.
- Curiosity: Topoi encourages exploration, invention, and open-ended inquiry.
- Pedagogy-first: Designed with educators in mind, Topoi fits into classrooms without compromising learning.
The Name
“Topoi” comes from classical rhetoric, where it referred to “places to find arguments.” We think of it as a mental space—where thinking happens before writing begins.
Topoi's Creator
Who Built Topoi?
Having spent over three decades teaching English at the Air Force Academy and with a strong interest in using technology in the classroom, I decided to try to create a custom chatbot that could function as a writing coach and mentor.
Although off-the-shelf AI tools like ChatGPT are amazing, their focus on producing written text with great speed and accuracy can short-circuit the writing process, which requires reflection.
Topoi encourages reflection and deep thinking about writing. I hope it will be a valuable tool for students and teachers alike.