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AI

Two things to note:

Students should check with their teacher that using generative AI is permissible. Only use AI with the permission and under the guidance of your teacher.
In coursework, students always need to indicate where and for what purpose generative AI was used (if its use is sanctioned by their teacher)

Students can use generative AI tools in various ways to enhance their educational experiences and improve their learning outcomes. Remember, students need to know that when using generative AI tools, it's important to approach them as aids to their learning, not as shortcuts to avoid understanding or effort. Generative AI is not an excuse to not engage in active learning to build a better understanding of the subject matter.

Also, always try and verify the accuracy of AI-generated content

Here are some ways in which learners can effectively use generative AI tools:

Assignment Help

Using generative AI tools is obviously a big no-no and a breach of academic integrity. However, generative AI can help with assignments by

Suggesting topics in specific areas related to a course.
Listing key ideas associated with, or currently of interest in a topic.
Posing hypothetical or open-ended questions on a specific topic.
Suggesting techniques for processes such as free-writing

Problem Solving

Generative AI can help learners solve problems, especially in maths and science, by providing step-by-step solutions, explanations, and visual representations.

Research Assistance

AI can assist with research by:

Suggesting keywords for searching and help create effective search strategies
Summarising books and articles
Translating text
Finding background information
Suggesting readings in a topic area (watch out for hallucinations)
Creating reference lists (watch out for hallucinations)

Generative AI can help with suggestions for getting started and provide summaries of research articles but isn't really suited to in-depth academic research.

Writing Help

Generative AI tools can help with academic writing by:

Generating assignment outlines
Paraphrasing
Proofreading
Summarising
Revising
Providing feedback

Generative AI is effective when used at the start of the writing process - suggesting a structure for you to follow, creating outlines and for generating initial ideas that you can explore further through academic reading and research

Generative AI is also effective towards the end of the process where it can be used for proofing, grammar checking and revision suggestions. Generative AI should not be used for writing itself.

Improving Critical Thinking Skills

Generative AI-produced content can be evaluated for bias and inaccuracy and can be compared with and contrasted against learners' own writings.

Generating Flashcards

Create flashcards for studying using generative AI tools. Input key terms or concepts, and the AI can generate flashcards with definitions or questions for self-assessment.

Content Summarisation

Generative AI tools can condense lengthy articles, research papers, or textbooks into short summaries, making it easier to grasp key concepts. They can also summarise concepts and ideas in simpler language

Content Recommendations

Generative AI tools can suggest relevant educational materials, books, articles, or online courses based on learning preferences and progress. NB, tools such as ChatGPT may not use up-to-date training data, so the recommendations may be out of date sometimes

Image Editing and Enhancement

Use AI-powered image editing tools to enhance and edit images for presentations, reports, or creative projects.

Tutoring and Homework Help

Generative AI tools can provide assistance with homework, offer explanations for concepts, and answer questions in real-time.

Practice Exams and Quizzes

Generative AI tools can practice exams and quizzes to assess your knowledge and prepare for tests and exams.

Accessibility Tools

AI can be used to create accessible materials for individuals with disabilities, such as generating alt text for images or converting text to speech.

Language Learning

Use AI-powered translation tools for language learning. They can translate texts from one language to another to improve language skills and understanding.
Generative AI can offer personalised lessons, pronunciation feedback, and language practice exercises.
Practice language skills through AI-generated simulated conversations or dialogues, which can improve speaking and listening abilities.

CVs and Job Applications

Generative AI can be used to help create a professional-looking CV, summarise your experience and express your ideas clearly and concisely.

You need to be careful to check generative AI output and not enter it in a CV, letter or application form verbatim. Always read and revise first. You should also ensure that generative AI does not over-embellish or make up your skills, experiences and qualifications

Image source: Is it safe to use ChatGPT for your task? by Aleksandr Tiulkanov CC-BY licence

Page content (an edited version of ) source: https://library.etbi.ie/ai/learners

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