This guide will show you some general tips for using Artificial Intelligence tools. However, you should check with the instructor of each of your courses to find out their specific rules for using ChatGPT and similar Generative AI tools for homework or papers.
Instructors may also have a specific way they would like you to reference or cite the AI tool.
“The back view of a college student and cute little robot typing on laptop showing the screen" prompt, Adobe Firefly, 30 Jan 2024, firefly.adobe.com.
AI is a broad term for technologies that allow computers and machines to simulate (or imitate) aspects of human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI is already embedded in many aspects of daily life, from voice assistants (like Siri) to the systems used by Netflix and YouTube to suggest which videos to watch next.
Watch this Simplilearn video Artificial Intelligence In 5 Minutes to learn more!
Most AI today uses something called machine learning. It learns from data it is given rather than explicit computer programming, just like we humans learn from experience. The main goal of machine learning is to help the systems to learn for themselves, without humans having to program them for each task they complete. It does this by identifying patterns or relationships in order to make predictions.
Generative AI is a specific type of Machine Learning. It is AI that generates, or creates, new content based on the data and examples it was trained on. The most well known generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are powered by large language models (LLMs). LLMs are trained on massive amounts of text in order to understand user input (prompt) and generate a response by predicting the most likely desired sequence of words and sentences" (USC Libraries).
For more information, check out the University of Arizona Libraries' Tutorials on Generative AI and ChatGPT.
Some material adapted from AI: Understanding It by the University of Exeter Library licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Most Generative AI tools are NOT search engines, such as Google or library databases. Search engines retrieve existing information or content, such as webpages, videos, full-text articles, and e-books. Generative AI tools create, or generate, their own content (text, images) by using algorithms to predict the the most probable sequence of words that would follow a question you typed in.
Generative AI tools do NOT always contain up-to-date information. They may be trained on static data sets that are outdated immediately.
Many Generative AI tools do NOT (usually) cite their sources.
Caution - Most Generative AI tools can create fake information, references, or citations.
The Terms of Use of OpenAI, which includes ChatGPT, states,
"Output may not always be accurate. You should not rely on Output from our Services as a sole source of truth or factual information, or as a substitute for professional advice."
Always use other sources to double-check the accuracy of the results to avoid using "AI hallucinations" in your work.
Brainstorming“College student and friendly little robot working together on a laptop in a library" prompt, Adobe Firefly, 30 Jan 2024, firefly.adobe.com.
These chatbots can be used for text generation, summarizing, internet-searches, image generation, and more.
Always check with the instructor of each of your courses to find out their specific rules for using Generative AI tools for homework or papers!