Generative AI Basics

What is Generative AI?

• Generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) generate images, text, videos, and other media in response to inputted prompts.
  • A "prompt" is the information/question/instructions that you enter into a GenAI tool to generate a response.
  • The more specific you are with your initial prompt, the more likely the result will match your expectations.
  • You can refine your prompt by adjusting your wording to make it more clear and detailed to generate a more desired and accurate response.
• GenAI is non-deterministic (produces a different result each time the same piece of data is entered) and is therefore unpredictable.
• GenAI is creative/explorative, but does not pinpoint an answer (though they often appear to be definitive answers).
• GenAI can “hallucinate” and (very confidently) give you false information.

At this point, if you're looking for the one correct answer to a question, GenAI is NOT a reliable source.

Do's and Don'ts for GenAI Use

DO Use Generative AI for...	DON'T Use Generative AI for...
suggesting ideas	determining truth
exploring points of view	making decisions
planning/strategy	high stakes applications
data translation	replacement for creativity
seeking possibilities	seeking answers

 

Suggested GenAI Tools to Try

• NotebookLM Links to an external site. (NotebookLM allows for the creation of podcasts ["Audio Overviews"], study guides, FAQ documents, etc. from uploaded documents.)
• Poe.com Links to an external site. (Poe.com is a website that provides access to multiple GenAI chatbots including ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude.)

 

Ideas for Positive & Effective Student Uses of GenAI

• SIMPLIFYING TEXT: Input an academic article into a GenAI tool and prompt the AI to explain it at a 10th grade level, etc.
• PROJECT PLANNING: Plan projects with GenAI (topic generation, brainstorming, outlines, etc.).
• STUDY BUDDY: Use GenAI for retrieval practice & study by inputting information presented in the course and prompting the AI to generate questions on the material, and then prompting the AI to score your answers and provide feedback.
• DEBATE PARTNER: “Debate” GenAI on a given topic (perhaps to practice for class presentations).
• ANALYSIS PRACTICE:
  • Prompt GenAI to generate a document (business memo, lab report, patient care plan, etc.) and then analyze what things are missing or how it could be improved based on things discussed in class.
  • Ask GenAI about a historical event or steps in a process and analyze any inaccuracies or missing information.
  • Ask GenAI to create 3 different solutions to a problem (or ask 3 different GenAI tools for a solution) and then analyze them.
• ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK: Upload your work and the rubric into a GenAI tool and ask for feedback before turning in an assignment.
• REVISIONS ASSISTANT: Enter your own paper into a GenAI tool and use the AI to aid in critical examination/revising.  
  • Possible Prompts: Check my paper for active voice. What do you think my thesis statement is? Summarize the main points.

 

Be sure to check the Simple Syllabus for specific expectations on the use of GenAI in this course.