Exploring Generative AI and Media
While text generation is what many people are most familiar with, media generation using AI is gaining in popularity every day. The tools that are capable of producing media content are a bit more complex, and often require a bit more technical skill. The trade-off is the creation of specific images, realistic audio, and video in seconds.
Popular AI-powered Image Platforms
There are many platforms to choose from, and more are being created or updated every day. Whether you want to learn about the tools to help make your courses more AI-proof, consider adding AI to your courses, or use AI for your own workflows, some of the best learning you can do is by using and testing the platforms.
Even tools that have similar functionality may perform some sets of tasks better than others or have unique features that make them more suitable for different use-cases. To help get you started, we have a list of some of the most popular platforms to start exploring.
Creating media takes more computing power than generating text alone. The content can take longer to produce, and many platforms involved in AI-powered media creation charge fees to take advantage of their services.
Before signing up for any platform, make sure you have read and understand their site policies, user agreements, and privacy policies. Never enter confidential or private information into any AI tool.
Prompts to help you explore
If you're just getting started, we have a few example prompts you can consider copying into a GenAI platform. You could even copy it into more than one, and compare the output you get.
The more information and context you put in, the more detailed your prompt is, the better the output will be.
I'm teaching a course on [course topic and level] for undergraduates. Can you help me create an image to creatively illustrate a key concept of [topic] in [subject/discipline]. This image is for students in a [course name and level]. It should be detailed and include some representation of [key elements]. It should be in [style] and [format].
Using this prompt
This prompt is to help create an image that's different from a typical representation. You'll want to be descriptive of what elements you need, the more specific the better. You can also include things like tone. For the styles, consider things like realistic, illustration, or even particular art styles. And for format, landscape, portrait, large or small. And remember you can iterate. Ask for something to be added or removed as you review the output.
I'm updating my course on [course topic and level] for [describe your students]. Can you help me create an image to embody [an event] that is key to the field's development. The image should be rich in historical detail, accurately reflecting the architecture, clothing, and atmosphere of the time. Include [key elements]. The style should be a blend of realism and artistic interpretation. This prompt is intended to create a visual tool for students to engage them.
Using this prompt
This prompt will help you develop some interesting course images. It can help to creatively present historical moments in a visual mode in addition to other contextual information. You can even try describing lesser-known events, or events which have no records. You can even consider the way the AI constructs the image as a way to open the discussion with students.
Popular AI-powered Audio and Video
AI platforms for audio and video are still developing, but more and more come online and their capacities continue to be refined.
