AI Tools: Home

AI has been around for quite a while now. Internet search engines use it and many programs have incorporated it over the years. For example, Grammarly, which came out in 2009.

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions), and self-correction. AI is commonly used to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.

AI technologies include machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and robotics, among others. The goal of AI is to create systems that can function autonomously, adapt to new situations, and perform tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence.

AI tools encompass a wide range of software and platforms designed to facilitate various aspects of artificial intelligence development, deployment, and usage.

Source: ChatGPT

These are directories and catalogs of many more AI tools.

There are generally two kinds of AI:

• Generative
  • What people often think of today
  • Can create or generate text, images, etc., usually based on prompts
  • Generative AI models learn the patterns and structure of their input training data and then generate new data that has similar characteristics
• Analytic
  • Provides analysis and data
  • Automates data analysis using AI and machine learning technologies
  • AI is increasingly able to analyze unstructured data, via the use of AI analytics tools such as natural language processing (NLP), speech analytics transcription, and computer vision for image and video analytics.

Here are some suggestions and guidelines for using AI tools:

• AI tools that focus on text and research topics are not a replacement for doing your own research. They are merely a tool to help you get started, get ideas, and shape the direction of your research. Some will even provide you with links to research papers and articles related to your research topic. Be sure to cite those properly.
• If you want to do anything with AI beyond personal use, like sharing works online, be sure to read the site's Terms Of Use to make sure that use is allowed.
• Never stop with entering just one prompt. Most AI tools are not question-and-answer, but are more of a dialog. Tweak your prompts and ask follow-up questions to get better results.

Chat GPT provides the following suggestions: Here are some guidelines for college students using AI for class:

1. Understand the Purpose: Clearly understand why you're using AI for your classwork. Whether it's for research, data analysis, or learning purposes, knowing the purpose will guide your use and selection of AI tools.

2. Choose Reliable Sources: Use reputable AI tools, platforms, and sources for your work. Ensure that the AI models or algorithms you use are accurate, reliable, and ethical.

3. Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of ethical considerations when using AI. Avoid biases, discrimination, or unethical practices in your AI-based work. Understand the ethical implications of the data you use and the decisions made by AI algorithms.

4. Transparency: Understand how the AI works and be transparent about its use in your work. Document the AI tools and methodologies you employ, including any pre-processing of data, choice of algorithms, and validation techniques.

5. Data Privacy and Security: Respect data privacy and security principles when working with AI. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to use data and protect sensitive information.

6. Verification and Validation: Verify the results generated by AI algorithms and validate their accuracy. Cross-reference AI-generated insights with existing knowledge and conduct thorough testing to ensure reliability.

7. Interpretability: Strive for interpretability in AI models to understand how they arrive at their decisions. Interpretability helps you explain and understand the reasoning behind AI-generated outcomes.

8. Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with peers and instructors when using AI for classwork. Share insights, methodologies, and results transparently. Communicate effectively about the role of AI in your work and its implications.

9. Continuous Learning: Keep abreast of developments in AI technologies and methodologies relevant to your field of study. Engage in continuous learning to improve your AI skills and stay informed about best practices.

10. Feedback and Improvement: Seek feedback on your AI-based work from peers and instructors. Use feedback to iterate and improve your AI models or methodologies.

11. Acknowledge Limitations: Recognize the limitations of AI technologies and methodologies. Understand that AI is a tool that complements human intelligence but may not always provide perfect solutions.

12. Academic Integrity: Maintain academic integrity when using AI for classwork. Properly cite sources, give credit to contributors, and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of your work.

By following these guidelines, college students can effectively leverage AI for their classwork while ensuring ethical, transparent, and reliable use of technology.

Librarians can help you learn to make the most of the information resources, tools, and services of Murphy Library and beyond!

Weekdays & Sunday afternoons (fall/spring):

• Visit us at the reference desk (1st floor)
• Call us at 608.785.8508
• Web Chat with us

Any time (year-round):

• Email us -- we'll email you back asap
• Schedule an appointment (in-person or online)

Local history and/or archives research? Special Collections / Area Research Center specialists are available!

• Email us at specoll@uwlax.edu
• Call us at 608.785.8511

Source: Bing Image Creator