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).
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
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in various aspects of our lives, from personal assistants like Siri and Alexa to advanced data analytics in business and healthcare. As students, it is important to understand the ethical implications of AI in order to use it responsibly. Also, as future professionals and innovators, you play a vital role in shaping the ethical landscape of AI. By understanding and addressing the following ethical considerations, you can contribute to the responsible and beneficial use of AI.
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