Artificial Intelligence: Text Generative Tools

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is commonly used in our daily lives. Unlocking our phones using facial recognition is an everyday use of AI. Asking questions of Alexa and Siri is another example.

The focus of this guide is AI that generates text. Free generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT 3.5, are available as are subscription Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT+. AI generative tools generate content based on patterns identified in large bodies of training content. 

Artificial intelligence and higher education are intertwined. AI is currently used across campus in administration, teaching, learning, and research. Best practices for using AI in the classroom are to be determined.

Early recommendations for instructors focus on transparency with students:

• Include clear language in your syllabus addressing whether or not students can use AI tools in your course. If students are allowed to use AI tools, articulate as many details as you can regarding appropriate use. 
• Early in the semester, engage students in a holistic discussion about AI text generative tools. Make sure students understand the appropriate uses (if any) of AI in your course. 
• Discuss your AI policies with your colleagues, especially those within your department. Students find consistent policies within disciplines to be helpful, but it won't always make sense for every course offered within a department to adopt the same policies or guidelines. An awareness of how your colleagues are using AI will help you to communicate clearly with your students, who may be encountering different and possibly contradictory approaches. 
• Your students are going into a labor market heavily impacted by existing and emerging AI technologies. Help your students to contextualize AI by sharing with them how AI is being used in your discipline.