Getting Started with AI

An introduction to AI in education to help you get started

Try out AI for yourself

Generative AI is technology that makes computers act like humans, understanding language and making decisions. While specialized AI tools exist for specific tasks like video or audio editing, three user-friendly, general-purpose platforms are ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini. To use them, just sign up on their websites and start chatting.

OPENAI · CHATGPT

ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) is by far the most popular AI chatbot. ChatGPT is also available as a phone app (Android version) (iPhone and iPad version). As of May 2025, it exists in two different version families or 'series':

ChatGPT-4o series is OpenAI's flagship multimodal model, processing text, images, and audio in real time with rich integrations like file uploading, image creation, and web browsing, ideal for creative, diverse tasks involving narratives. GPT‑4o-mini is its faster variant designed for fast everyday use. GPT-4.5, launched in February 2025, is its most advanced version to date.

ChatGPT-oX series is a reasoning model engineered for deep, multi-step tasks, excelling at tackling in a structured way intricate problems in science, math, coding or strategic research. Its latest versions, ChatGPT-o4 (available in "o4-mini" and "o4-mini-high" options) offers great results with shorter response times.

As of February 2025, IE University became one of the first universities worldwide to partner with OpenAI, which means ChatGPT in its .EDU version becomes our standard AI platform for general use. If you are interesting in training opportunities on ChatGPT and access to a free license, please visit our AI Training section.

MICROSOFT · COPILOT

Copilot (https://copilot.microsoft.com/), formerly known as Bing Chat, is another very popular platform, also powered by OpenAI. It combines traditional search and AI conversation formats, helping you retrieve and process information very smoothly. Copilot is free and it comes integrated with Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.

GOOGLE · GEMINI

Gemini (https://gemini.google.com/app) is Google's counterpart to Copilot and ChatGPT, functioning as a versatile AI chatbot. It can connect with Google's applications and services, such as Maps or YouTube.

anthropic · claude

Anthropic's Claude (https://claude.ai) is designed to be a helpful and safe assistant, with built-in rules that guide its behavior to avoid harmful or biased responses. The Claude 3.7 Sonnet model, released in February 2025, introduces hybrid reasoning capabilities, allowing users to balance response speed and depth, and includes features like a visible reasoning process to enhance transparency.

How to write effective prompts

In the context of AI, prompting refers to the instructions by which we interact with AI systems, telling them the type of information or action we desire. Whichever way you use to employ AI technology, mastering tools is essential.

For educational purposes, an effective prompt would generally include at least four elements:

·ROLE (indicating the persona the system should assume)

·TASK (clarifying the desired AI action)

·AUDIENCE (identifying the intended recipients of the message)

·HOW (specifying the format or style of the response)

Check the following introductory guide in PDF and the accompanying video to get the most of out of your prompts (special thanks to Professor Giulio Allevato for his help):

IE LEARNING INNOVATION - PROMPTING.pdf

For a more in-depth guideline, OpenAI (the organization behind ChatGPT) has published [December 2023] a thorough guide on prompt writing, check it out: OPENAI PROMPT ENGINEERING

Consider the benefits and challenges of AI

BENEFITS OF USING AI TOOLS IN EDUCATION

AI tools can enhance the learning experience.
AI tools can provide instant answers or feedback to clarify complex concepts.
AI tools can personalize the learning experience for students based on their abilities, interests, learning needs, identifying their weak points and providing tools/exercises to become more proficient.
AI tools can improve efficiency and productivity: can automate routine tasks such as summarizing and synthesizing information or answering frequently asked questions.
Students can learn how to use AI tools efficiently and develop their AI digital skills.

CHALLENGES OF USING AI TOOLS IN EDUCATION

AI tools can compromise the learning experience affecting their critical thinking, writing skills and creativity.
Students can become too reliant on technology, reducing the ability of students to solve problems independently.
Information provided by AI tools is not always accurate or reliable.
AI tools don't provide references to sources or accurate citations.
AI tools can facilitate plagiarism.
AI tools may occasionally produce biased content.

Set and explain your policy with your students

IE University embraces the potential of AI but it does not have official policies yet. You can read the official statement here.
In the meantime, clearly communicate to students whether or not they are allowed to use AI tools in the course, and for each specific assignment or assessment.
If students use AI tools when they are not allowed to, they will be penalized according to the plagiarism rules.
Encourage academic integrity. AI needs to be quoted, paraphrased like any other source. It must be acknowledged in the bibliography.
Remember, AI is not meant to replace you. It's a tool that helps you do your job better and faster.

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