Exploring Generative AI
Text generation is one of the most popular uses of generative AI tools. The tools, typically in the form of chatbots, are user-friendly and capable of taking natural human language input in the form of prompts to produce output. The tools are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to accomplish tasks with varying demands. Text generators can be used to:
- Brainstorm ideas
- Provide feedback and edits in writing
- Generate summaries of complex information
- Act as partners in simulations
- ...and so much more
Generative AI platforms are still relatively new, and their capabilities are increasing rapidly, which means new use-cases are being found every day.
Popular AI Chat 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.
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 it, the more detailed your prompt is, the better the output will be.
- Example - Creating a lesson plan
- Example - Suggesting Multimedia Resources
- Example - Generating Assessment Questions
I'm teaching a course on [course topic and level] for undergraduates. Can you help me create a lesson plan that covers the basics of [a core concept], the reason it is core, and its impacts in the field? The plan should be suitable for a 3-week module, include interactive elements like quizzes or group discussions, and cater to students with varying levels of prior knowledge.
Using this prompt
This prompt is to help create a lesson plan. As you use the prompt, add in your course information, and expand the prompt with additional information that makes the prompt more applicable to your course, such as required activities, and specific learning objectives.
I'm updating my course on [course topic and level] for [describe your students]. Can you suggest multimedia resources, like podcasts, videos, or interactive websites, that provide engaging content on authors like [authors/texts you may cover]? Also, include a brief description of how each resource is relevant to their works
Using this prompt
This prompt is to help find or develop resources. As you use the prompt, add in your course information, and expand the prompt with additional context that makes the prompt more applicable to your course. Be careful - AI tools can hallucinate, which means it can return output that is not rooted in reality.
I need to prepare a set of multiple-choice and short-answer questions for my final exam in a [disciple] course focusing on [topics for the final]. The questions should cover key events like World Wars, the Cold War, and significant political and cultural shifts. Please ensure the questions vary in difficulty and include a brief explanation for the correct answers.
Using this prompt
This prompt is to help generate questions to assess your students. As you use the prompt, add in your course information, and expand the prompt with additional context that makes the prompt more applicable to your course. You can include specific topics. Be careful - AI tools can hallucinate, which means it can return output that is not rooted in reality.
What makes a good prompt?
Prompts are the primary way to interact with AI tools. While the tools can accept and respond to almost any text, an effective prompt is clear, concise, and specific, providing the AI with enough context to generate useful and accurate content.
When thinking about arranging your prompt, the first step is to consider what you are looking to receive. A good prompt is often a long prompt - the more specific the output you want, the longer and more detailed your prompt should be.
- A request - the what of what you want
E.g., a friendly welcome message to students, an email to a colleague. - Constraints - limitations on what you would like, things the AI should avoid or are required to include.
A short summary of a complex issue, a detailed outline of a historical event. - Background and examples - additional information to inform the AI output, such as background, purpose, tone
An email for students who are just learning about a field, a message with a friendly tone. - Format - specifications about what the output needs to be, particular styles or sizes, etc.
Output should be in a table or .csv, in the voice of Edgar Allan Poe.
Limitations and Cautions
- Always read any user agreements, privacy policies, and data policies carefully before signing up for, or using, any platform.
- Never enter private or confidential information into a chatbot. Some AI platforms retain input data to train their models, or make that data available to other platforms.
- Instructors who may want to make use of ChatGPT or other technology tools in their classes should note that, as with any online service that is not contracted by the university and in view of FERPA regulations, students must not be required to identify themselves to third parties. Copilot is the only generative AI platform which UMass Amherst users may access that is FERPA compliant.
- AI Chatbots can provide incorrect, or harmful, responses. Always review output carefully.
- Chatbots and other generative AI platforms do not "understand" the input or output in the same way a human does. You may need to break down tasks into simpler pieces or scaffold your prompts to get the desired output.
