With the rapidly evolving world of AI, especially Generative AI tools, it's important to understand how helpful, or even detrimental, AI can be in higher education. While OTLE does not provide AI tools directly from our office, nor acts as the expert in any aspect of AI, there are many AI tools and resources available that could be to your benefit. 

Choosing a Generative AI Tool to Use

Generative AI is the type of AI that can create new content like images, text, audio, video, etc. in response to a user prompt or input. Tools are regularly being updated and improved, but there's still many things to factor in when choosing a Generative AI tool. 

Popular Generative AI Tools
Tool Primary Function Best For
ChatGBT

Text generation

Writing, Research, Tutoring
Claude Conversational AI Academic Analysis, Coding
DALL-E Image Generation Visual Content, Presentations
Gamma Presentation Generation Presentations, Webpage, Social Media
Gemini Multimodal AI Assistant Language and Complex Reasoning
Copilot Code Assistance Programming, Technical Courses
Khanamigo Educational Tutoring Student Learning Support

Privacy Risks

Remember that data shared with GenAI tools typically isn't private and can be accessed by external parties hosting these tools. Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential information, such as student IDs, addresses, financial data, or personal identifiers.

Hidden Costs

Many GenAI tools are initially free or offer free trials but can later introduce costs. Exercise caution with tools requiring credit card details upfront, as cancellation policies may not always be transparent.

Learning How to Use GenAI Effectively

Enhance your use of GenAI through these helpful resources:

Recognizing Limitations

When utilizing external AI tools, verify their legitimacy through reputable reviews or trusted platforms. Additionally, practice safe computing and cybersecurity standards at all times.

Evaluation Resource Credibility

When utilizing external AI tools, verify their legitimacy through reputable reviews or trusted platforms. Additionally, practice safe computing and cybersecurity standards at all times.

Ethical Considerations for Using AI

Here are critical ethical aspects to reflect upon when integrating GenAI into your AI activities, though particularly in academics:

GenAI is Not Sentient

These AI tools, or Large Language Models (LLMs), may seem aware but are merely responding based on predictive modeling. They can’t reason, feel, or understand context genuinely.

GenAI and Bias

AI models inherently carry biases from their training data, often perpetuating existing prejudices. Avoid using GenAI in contexts requiring nuanced ethical decision-making or culturally sensitive deliberations.

Potential for Misinformation

GenAI models sometimes produce inaccurate, misleading, or invented content (often called "hallucinations"). Always critically evaluate and verify AI-generated information independently.

Language and Cultural Biases

Most GenAI systems prioritize Standard American English, potentially disadvantaging diverse dialects or cultural expressions. Be mindful and inclusive of linguistic diversity when evaluating AI-generated content.

Guidelines for Academic Use of GenAI

  • Prefer university-supported GenAI tools for optimal data security and privacy.
  • Always discuss acceptable use and citation practices of GenAI with your course instructors.
  • Independently verify all GenAI-generated content before citation or use in assignments.
  • Use GenAI as an educational supplement rather than a replacement for critical thinking or problem-solving.
  • Seek guidance from faculty, librarians, or academic advisors if uncertain about appropriate GenAI use in your courses.

Reflective Questions on GenAI Use

  • Does using GenAI help me learn better and think more deeply?
  • Does GenAI enhance or diminish my understanding of course objectives?
  • Is the GenAI-generated content accurate, unbiased, and verifiable?
  • How will I responsibly handle content created using GenAI?
  • Does my use of GenAI ensure fairness to my peers?
  • How can my responsible use of GenAI contribute positively to my community and society at large?

Recognize your responsibility to use GenAI ethically to benefit yourself, your peers, and society as a whole.

Additional Student Resources and AI Tools