STUDENT RESOURCES
Welcome to the Purdue Global Student Resources page dedicated to generative artificial intelligence (AI)! Here, you will find a comprehensive collection of resources designed to support your learning journey and enhance your understanding of AI concepts and applications. From gaining a foundational understanding of AI, to leveraging AI technologies for learning and enhancing your skills through hands-on projects, these resources will empower you in your exploration of generative AI. Discover the basics, learn from reliable sources, and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in this rapidly evolving field. Get ready to dive into the exciting world of generative AI and unlock its potential for your academic and professional pursuits.
Note: The introduction and accompanying video were both created using generative-AI tools.
Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In basic terms AI, or artificial intelligence, is a technology that makes computers and machines smart. It helps them perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, like understanding speech, recognizing objects, or making decisions. AI uses algorithms and data to learn from examples and improve over time. You can find AI in things like voice assistants, self-driving cars, and recommendation systems. It has the potential to transform various aspects of our lives and make machines more helpful and capable. As a college student, AI can empower you by enhancing your learning, productivity, and academic success. For instance, you may use it to create tailored study plans, get real-time tutoring assistance, or find explanations for complex concepts. AI tools can also assist with time management, language learning, and translation, as well as facilitate teamwork on group projects. For a few more tips related to engaging with AI, check out the short presentation below.
Acceptable and Unacceptable Uses of AI in College Coursework
Acceptable:
Writing assistance: AI can help organize writing.
Research assistance: AI can access billions of internet resources, analyzing data and recognizing patterns in research projects.
Study assistance: AI can help summarize academic content for additional examples or generate practice questions for a topic.
Revision and editing: AI can help identify flaws in reasoning or correct minor errors, which can enhance the quality of written assignments.
Translation tools: AI-powered language translation tools can help you understand research papers written in a foreign language.
Tutoring: AI-based tutoring systems can personalize learning experiences and provide additional support to students.
Image or speech recognition: AI algorithms can be used for image or speech recognition in fields such as computer vision or speech processing, as long as proper credit is given to the AI models used.
Assist with note-taking strategies.
Circumstances where AI use is expressly permitted and/or required.
Unacceptable:
Complete assignment creation: Attempting to take credit for AI-generated content as your own work (students would follow PG Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity guidance). Using AI-powered essay or assignment generators to produce complete academic papers or assignments without proper research or intellectual input is considered plagiarism.
Manipulation or fabrication of data: This would include employing AI algorithms to manipulate or fabricate data to achieve desired research outcomes, leading to unethical practices.
Copying other's work: Using AI-powered plagiarism tools to plagiarize or copy others' work without proper attribution is unacceptable.
Overreliance on AI tutoring systems: Relying solely on AI-based tutoring systems without seeking guidance or input from instructors or engaging in active learning.
Breaching others' privacy: Using AI algorithms to breach privacy or ethical standards, such as obtaining unauthorized access to confidential data or invading individuals' privacy, is unacceptable.
ACCEPTABLE USE EXAMPLE:
Below is a current example of an acceptable use of generative AI in a discussion board from an American Government course.
Step 1: Student asks the generative-AI tool to provide references related to the discussion prompt topic.
For example:
“Briefly explain the US executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and explain: What Article within the Constitution explains how the Constitution can be changed? - Please provide sources”
Step 2: Student checks if the sources are real and if they correspond to their research.
Step 3: Student compares generative-AI sources to the unit readings provided. Note: generative AI is not always accurate.
Step 4: Student then writes and submits their own response and cite their sources following APA guidelines
Remember!
If you use the sources provided by generative-AI tools, you should cite those sources.
If you use a direct quote or paraphrase from a generative-AI tool, you should cite that tool.
Finally, feel free to check out this handout for additional tips.
UNACCEPTABLE USE EXAMPLE:
Below is a current example of an unacceptable use of generative-AI tool in a discussion board from an American Government course.
Step 1: Student copies and pastes the following discussion prompt into a generative-AI tool:
For example:
“Briefly explain the US executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and explain: What Article within the Constitution explains how the Constitution can be changed?”
Step 2: Student copies and pastes AI response directly into the discussion board as if they wrote it.
Why is this not an acceptable use of AI?
In this case, the student plagiarized by attempting to take credit for the AI-generated text as their own work (students should follow PG Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity guidance).
FAQs
How can I ensure that I am using AI responsibly and avoiding plagiarism?
First, before utilizing any AI tool, be sure you understand what constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, or expressions without appropriate attribution. You can review university guidance for this topic here: PG Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity guidance.
Then, when using AI tools, remember that they can be great for brainstorming, generating ideas, or checking work. However, you shouldn't rely on AI to produce entire assignments or papers. Instead, you want to use them to augment your original thoughts and ideas. Also, make sure to understand the limitations and potential biases of the models you're working with. While AI can generate human-like text, it doesn't inherently know what's right or wrong, nor can it guarantee originality or accuracy. Just because AI suggests an answer doesn't mean it's the best or most accurate one. Always cross-check information, apply your own reasoning, verify results, and make informed judgments. In addition, before submitting assignments, remember that plagiarism detection software, such as Turnitin, can help ensure originality. This will help you catch any unintentional similarities with already existing content.
Finally, if you've used AI to help in any part of your assignment, consider informing your instructor or peers about it. Transparency is a significant step toward responsible usage. And, don't forget, it is also important to give proper credit to the AI system if required, and cite the sources of the generated content.
How should AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, be cited?
As always, please defer to instructor guidelines when completing assignment and essays.
There continues to be debate among citation authorities, journals, and universities on how to cite ChatGPT and other generative-AI resources and tools. However, some guidelines have been developed and can be followed.
Are there any specific AI tools or software that can assist me in my coursework?
Yes, there are numerous AI tools and software available to assist you in your coursework. Some popular examples include:
Natural language processing tools like Grammarly for improving writing skills.
Reference management tools like Mendeley or Zotero for organizing and citing sources.
Research platforms like Google Scholar or Microsoft Academic for discovering scholarly articles.
Virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant for quick information retrieval.
Data analysis tools like Python libraries (e.g., pandas, NumPy) and software like Tableau or MATLAB.
Are there any potential risks or limitations I should consider before using an AI tool?
Potential Risks:
These tools may collect and store the information that you provide. Ensure that the platforms you use comply with privacy regulations and protect your personal data. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information and review the privacy policies of the tools or platforms you use.
Suggestions may not be accurate or inclusive. ChatGPT will even make up information that sounds convincing but isn't real.
Your intellectual property might be compromised.
AI platforms are not neutral. They reflect the perspectives and beliefs of the datasets they have learned from and will reproduce those ways of seeing the world. It is especially important to use critical thinking skills when reading AI-generated text.
Language patterns are the basis for AI platforms to generate answers to prompts. They do not use the same cognitive process as a student would to find the correct ("right") response or answer.
Your writing may lose its personality and uniqueness when you use AI tools too much. Voice and style are important rhetorical techniques for good writing, and they may be diminished by over-reliance on AI.
Limitations:
Generative AI, like ChatGPT, often makes mistakes. Verify all generative AI content.
AI chatbots may not be using the most recent information available. For instance, ChatGPT is not currently plugged into the internet to access “real-time” information. It has been trained on information that’s current through 2021 but not the present.
Chatbots face challenges in understanding different languages, dialects, accents, slang, or jargon.
AI tools may struggle with situations that are complicated, unclear, or sensitive and may not be able to empathize or comprehend the user’s feelings, mood, or purpose.
Service disruptions and user dissatisfaction may result from AI chatbots experiencing errors, malfunctions, or unavailability.
Can AI help me with research and data analysis for my assignments?
Yes, AI can greatly assist you in research and data analysis. AI algorithms can quickly process and analyze large volumes of data, identify trends and patterns, and help you draw meaningful conclusions. AI-powered tools can streamline tasks like literature reviews, citation management, and extracting relevant information from scholarly articles.
How can AI be used to enhance my writing and proofreading skills?
AI can enhance your writing and proofreading skills by providing automated grammar and spell-checking, suggesting improvements in sentence structure, vocabulary, and style, and offering real-time feedback on your writing. Tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, or ProWritingAid utilize AI to assist you in improving your writing skills.
Can I use an AI chatbot as a paraphrase tool?
Probably not. Proper paraphrasing involves understanding the source material and expressing it in your own words, while still giving credit to the original source. It's an important tool for learning because if you're unable to paraphrase something, it suggests that you might not fully comprehend the material. If you need guidance on how to utilize ChatGPT, or any other form of generative AI, for a particular course, it is recommended that you consult with your instructor.
Are there any ethical considerations when using AI in academic work?
Yes, there are several ethical considerations to keep in mind when incorporating AI into academic work. First and foremost, always be honest about how you're using AI. If you're getting help from an AI tool, it's similar to quoting a source; you should give credit where credit is due. Remember, the point of your coursework is for you to learn, so don't shortchange yourself by letting AI do all the heavy lifting. You'll miss out on truly grasping the content!
Also, be careful about what information you feed into online AI platforms. Just like you wouldn't want your personal details to be out in the open, be cautious with your academic work too. Also, remember that while AI can be intelligent, it's not always right. Sometimes these tools can reflect certain biases or give skewed results. So, always double-check the info and think critically about what the AI provides. Similarly, just as you'd scrutinize the reliability of conventional sources, it's vital to evaluate the trustworthiness of the AI tool you're using.
Lastly, while AI can be a powerful tool, it's essential not to become overly dependent on it, as human judgment and critical thinking remain indispensable in your academic endeavors.
Can AI help me with time management and productivity as a student?
Yes! There are AI-powered tools that can help you with task scheduling, setting reminders, prioritizing assignments, and even analyzing your study habits to optimize learning efficiency. Virtual assistants, such as Siri, Cortana, etc., can also provide information and answer questions promptly, saving you time in searching for resources.
How can AI be applied in collaborative projects and group assignments?
AI can be applied in collaborative projects and group assignments by facilitating communication, coordination, and knowledge sharing among group members. Collaborative platforms like Google Docs, Trello, or Slack can leverage AI to enhance collaboration by suggesting file organization, facilitating version control, or providing real-time translation for multilingual teams. ChatGPT even includes the ability for users to "Share Link to Chat" for collaboration purposes.
Are there any challenges when using AI in coursework?
Yes, there are some challenges to consider when using AI in coursework. Some of those include:
Lack of access or familiarity with AI tools or software.
Dependence on the quality and accuracy of data used in AI systems.
Potential biases or limitations in AI algorithms, requiring critical evaluation. Some AI models, like deep neural networks, can be difficult to interpret, making it harder to understand how they arrived at a particular result.
Over-reliance on AI without developing essential skills or understanding underlying concepts.
Potential ethical concerns.
What are some potential benefits of incorporating AI into my academic work?
It can provide personalized recommendations for learning resources based on individual strengths and weaknesses.
AI-powered tools can help in data analysis, making complex calculations, or finding patterns in large datasets.
AI can automate repetitive tasks, such as grading multiple-choice exams or generating summaries, saving time for both students and instructors.
How can I learn more about AI and its applications in my field of study?
There are several ways to do this. One effective approach is enrolling in online courses or participating in specialized workshops. Additionally, immersing yourself in literature on the subject—such as books, research papers, and articles specific to your field—can be highly beneficial. It's also advantageous to become a part of AI-related communities. Attending relevant conferences and engaging with experts in the domain can offer valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
Can AI assist me in studying and exam preparation?
Yes, AI can assist in studying and exam preparation! It can help you create personalized study plans, generate practice questions, offer automated feedback, and provide recommendations for additional study materials.
Smart Writing Assistants: AI-powered writing assistants like Grammarly and ProWritingAid can help students improve their writing skills by providing grammar and spelling suggestions, checking for plagiarism, and offering style improvements.
Study Organizers: Tools like Evernote and OneNote can help students organize their study materials, take notes, and create to-do lists. They provide features like search functionality, tagging, and cloud synchronization, making it easy to access and manage study resources across devices.
Flashcard Apps: AI-backed flashcard apps such as Anki and Quizlet help students memorize information through spaced repetition algorithms. These apps optimize the review schedule based on individual performance to maximize retention.
Exam Prep Platforms: Platforms like PrepScholar and Magoosh provide AI-driven test preparation resources for standardized exams such as SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. They offer personalized study plans, practice questions, and performance tracking to help students prepare effectively.
Featured Articles
Practical Applications of AI
Writing Assistance: produce topic ideas/brainstorming, provide feedback on grammar and syntax, create an outline of a paper, find out opposing views on a topic, or build personalized study guides
Art/Design: generate new ideas and explore different styles and techniques
Music Composition: compose and create new music, by generating melodies, harmonies, and rhythms based on input parameters
Game Design: create game content, such as levels, characters, and environments, allowing you to experiment and explore different game design concepts
Language Learning: generate personalized language exercises, such as writing prompts or conversation starters, that are tailored to your level and interests
Guidance for the Ethical Use of AI
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