1. What Is AI and Why Should You Care?
AI is a branch of computer science that uses hardware, algorithms, and data to create “intelligence” for tasks like decision-making. Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen鈥疉I) is a form of AI that not only analyzes data but can create original content鈥攕uch as text, images, audio, video, or code鈥攂ased on patterns learned from vast datasets. Traditional AI predicts or classifies, while Gen鈥疉I generates novel output in response to prompts, often via models like GPT-4 (ChatGPT) for text and DALL路E for images. ChatGPT uses large language models to converse naturally and assist with writing, coding, or summarizing, and DALL路E translates language into visual art. These tools empower creative expression and accelerate workflows, while raising important questions around accuracy, bias, and ethics.
The effects of AI
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping education, the workforce, and society. In education, adaptive platforms and intelligent tutoring systems tailor instruction to each student鈥檚 learning pace while automating grading and attendance, freeing educators to mentor and innovate. In the job market, AI is disrupting white-collar roles鈥攆rom coding to legal work鈥攁ccelerating automation even as it spawns new careers like AI ethics stewards, prompt engineers, and learning experience designers. At the societal level, AI drives economic transformation projected to add trillions in value, but also raises urgent questions about equity, workforce retraining, and ethical governance.
Benefits and risks of using AI
Using AI, especially generative tools like ChatGPT, provides personalized tutoring, instant feedback on writing or problem-solving, efficient time management, and support for language learners or students with disabilities. AI also automates grading and administrative tasks, freeing educators to focus on mentorship. However, risks include potential over-reliance on a tool鈥攗ndermining critical thinking and independent learning鈥攁nd superficial understanding of learning material if AI is used as a shortcut (i.e. for copying and pasting), or if AI output is not checked and evaluated critically. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and unequal access may deepen educational inequities. Moreover, generative AI misuse can threaten academic integrity and comprehension when users skip engaging deeply with content.
2. Using AI Tools Effectively
Understanding the limitations of GenAI
Generative AI is a powerful tool, but it has important limitations. It can produce text, images, or code based on patterns in the data it was trained on, but it doesn鈥檛 truly “understand” the content. It may give incorrect, biased, or outdated information and can鈥檛 replace expert knowledge or critical thinking. AI also lacks real-time awareness and can鈥檛 verify facts on its own. Always cross-check its output with trusted sources, especially for assignments or important decisions. Use it as a helpful assistant鈥攏ot as a replacement for your own research, reasoning, or creativity.
Writing Prompts
You will generally communicate with generative AI systems using prompts, which are instructions or inputs you give to an AI system to tell it what you want it to generate or do. Creating good prompts is essential when using generative AI because the quality of your results depends on how clearly and specifically you communicate your request. A vague or confusing prompt can lead to irrelevant or low-quality output, while a well-structured prompt gives the AI clear direction. This applies to writing, coding, image generation, and more. Good prompts include enough context, detail, and the right keywords to guide the AI effectively. Learning how to ask the right questions helps you get better results faster and teaches you to think critically about what you really want from the tool. Prompting is a skill.
Brainstorming and Drafting
AI tools, especially Generative AI like ChatGPT, are effective for drafting text outlines by generating new content and serving as a brainstorming aid. They are designed to generate new content鈥攕uch as text or other media鈥攊n response to user prompts, effectively helping to generate ideas. To maximize their effectiveness for brainstorming, mastering AI prompting is crucial. This involves being clear, specific, and structured in your queries, using context and constraints, and iterating and experimenting with prompts. AI can also be leveraged to provide different perspectives, synthesize data, or challenge assumptions. However, always remember AI output may be inaccurate and can contain biases. Therefore, critical thinking, cross-checking information, and refining AI outputs with your own insights are essential. AI is intended to augment, not replace, human intelligence, ensuring your voice and analysis remain central.
Writing Code
Generative AI can be a valuable tool for writing computer programs, especially for students learning to code. It can help generate code snippets, suggest solutions, and explain programming concepts in simple terms. If you鈥檙e stuck on a bug or don鈥檛 know how to start a project, AI can offer examples and guidance. It supports many languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript, and can save time by automating repetitive coding tasks. However, it鈥檚 important to read, understand, and test the code it generates鈥攄on鈥檛 just copy and paste. Use it to learn more effectively, not to skip the learning process.
Creating Images
Generative AI can create images quickly and creatively, even without prior design or art experience. By describing what they want in words, users can generate visuals for presentations, projects, posters, or storytelling. It supports a wide range of styles, from realistic to abstract, and can be a great tool for exploring ideas visually. AI can also assist with editing or enhancing existing images. However, be sure to review results carefully鈥攊mages may be inaccurate, biased, or inconsistent. It’s a tool for inspiration and experimentation, not a replacement for learning design skills or understanding visual communication basics. Always use it responsibly.
3. Using AI Responsibly
AI tools are meant to augment, not replace, human intelligence and learning. It’s crucial to think critically about AI outputs, as they are not always accurate and can be biased or have limited knowledge. Users should cross-check information and refine AI outputs with their own insights, ensuring their voice and analysis remain central. Utilize AI for tasks like brainstorming, summarizing, or tutoring, but always adhere to academic integrity principles. Prioritize privacy by avoiding sensitive data sharing. Finally, familiarize yourself with policies regarding AI use.
Before using AI:
- Learn how to cite AI-generated content (when acceptable)
- Check your course syllabus, or collaborators about expectations
- Understand what counts as plagiarism or misuse
4. Try It Yourself!
Get hands-on with free, supported tools:
Text tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity) for writing or studying
Image tools (DALL路E, Bing Image Creator, Craiyon) for creative projects
Code tools (GitHub Copilot, Windsurf) for practice or homework help
1. What Is AI and Why Should You Care?
AI is a branch of computer science that uses hardware, algorithms, and data to create “intelligence” for tasks like decision-making. Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen鈥疉I) is a form of AI that not only analyzes data but can create original content鈥攕uch as text, images, audio, video, or code鈥攂ased on patterns learned from vast datasets. Traditional AI predicts or classifies, while Gen鈥疉I generates novel output in response to prompts, often via models like GPT-4 (ChatGPT) for text and DALL路E for images. ChatGPT uses large language models to converse naturally and assist with writing, coding, or summarizing, and DALL路E translates language into visual art. These tools empower creative expression and accelerate workflows, while raising important questions around accuracy, bias, and ethics.
The effects of AI
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping education, the workforce, and society. In education, adaptive platforms and intelligent tutoring systems tailor instruction to each student鈥檚 learning pace while automating grading and attendance, freeing educators to mentor and innovate. In the job market, AI is disrupting white-collar roles鈥攆rom coding to legal work鈥攁ccelerating automation even as it spawns new careers like AI ethics stewards, prompt engineers, and learning experience designers. At the societal level, AI drives economic transformation projected to add trillions in value, but also raises urgent questions about equity, workforce retraining, and ethical governance.
Benefits and risks of using AI as a student
Using AI, especially generative tools like ChatGPT, students can enjoy personalized tutoring, instant feedback on writing or problem-solving, efficient time management, and support for language learners or students with disabilities. AI also automates grading and administrative tasks, freeing educators to focus on mentorship. However, risks include potential overreliance on a tool鈥攗ndermining critical thinking and independent learning鈥攁nd superficial understanding of learning material if AI is used as a shortcut (i.e. for copying and pasting), or if AI output is not checked and evaluated critically. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and unequal access may deepen educational inequities. Moreover, generative AI misuse can threaten academic integrity and lead to poor exam performance when students skip engaging deeply with content.
2. Using AI Tools Effectively
Understanding the limitations of GenAI
Generative AI is a powerful tool, but it has important limitations students should understand. It can produce text, images, or code based on patterns in the data it was trained on, but it doesn鈥檛 truly “understand” the content. It may give incorrect, biased, or outdated information and can鈥檛 replace expert knowledge or critical thinking. AI also lacks real-time awareness and can鈥檛 verify facts on its own. Always cross-check its output with trusted sources, especially for assignments or important decisions. Use it as a helpful assistant鈥攏ot as a replacement for your own research, reasoning, or creativity.
Writing Prompts
You will generally communicate with generative AI systems using prompts, which are instructions or inputs you give to an AI system to tell it what you want it to generate or do. Creating good prompts is essential when using generative AI because the quality of your results depends on how clearly and specifically you communicate your request. A vague or confusing prompt can lead to irrelevant or low-quality output, while a well-structured prompt gives the AI clear direction. This applies to writing, coding, image generation, and more. Good prompts include enough context, detail, and the right keywords to guide the AI effectively. Learning how to ask the right questions helps you get better results faster and teaches you to think critically about what you really want from the tool. Prompting is a skill.
Add how-to video or links here??
Brainstorming and Drafting
AI tools, especially Generative AI like ChatGPT, are effective for drafting text outlines by generating new content and serving as a brainstorming aid. They are designed to generate new content鈥攕uch as text or other media鈥攊n response to user prompts, effectively helping to generate ideas. To maximize their effectiveness for brainstorming, mastering AI prompting is crucial. This involves being clear, specific, and structured in your queries, using context and constraints, and iterating and experimenting with prompts. AI can also be leveraged to provide different perspectives, synthesize data, or challenge assumptions. However, always remember AI output may be inaccurate and can contain biases. Therefore, critical thinking, cross-checking information, and refining AI outputs with your own insights are essential. AI is intended to augment, not replace, human intelligence, ensuring your voice and analysis remain central.
Add how to video here??
Writing Code
Generative AI can be a valuable tool for writing computer programs, especially for students learning to code. It can help generate code snippets, suggest solutions, and explain programming concepts in simple terms. If you鈥檙e stuck on a bug or don鈥檛 know how to start a project, AI can offer examples and guidance. It supports many languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript, and can save time by automating repetitive coding tasks. However, it鈥檚 important to read, understand, and test the code it generates鈥攄on鈥檛 just copy and paste. Use it to learn more effectively, not to skip the learning process.
Creating Images
Generative AI can help students create images quickly and creatively, even without design or art experience. By describing what they want in words, students can generate visuals for presentations, projects, posters, or storytelling. It supports a wide range of styles, from realistic to abstract, and can be a great tool for exploring ideas visually. AI can also assist with editing or enhancing existing images. However, students should review results carefully鈥攊mages may be inaccurate, biased, or inconsistent. It’s a tool for inspiration and experimentation, not a replacement for learning design skills or understanding visual communication basics. Always use it responsibly.
3. Using AI Responsibly
For responsible AI use in college, students must understand that AI tools are meant to augment, not replace, human intelligence and learning. It’s crucial to think critically about AI outputs, as they are not always accurate and can be biased or have limited knowledge. Students should cross-check information and refine AI outputs with their own insights, ensuring their voice and analysis remain central. Utilize AI for tasks like brainstorming, summarizing, or tutoring, but always adhere to academic integrity principles. Prioritize privacy by avoiding sensitive data sharing. Finally, familiarize yourself with instructor and course policies regarding AI use, which should be clearly articulated in the syllabus.
Before using AI in any class:
- Check your course syllabus or ask your instructor about expectations
- Understand what counts as plagiarism or misuse
- Learn how to cite AI-generated content (when acceptable)
4. Try It Yourself!
Get hands-on with free, supported tools:
- Text tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity) for writing or studying
- Image tools (DALL路E, Bing Image Creator, Craiyon) for creative projects
- Code tools (GitHub Copilot, Windsurf) for practice or homework help
