Generative AI as your Assistant!
Before using Gen AI for your assignment, please check with your instructor to ensure it is allowed. Here are some ways that Gen AI can be used for assignments with examples using Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and Chat GPT.
Think of GenAI as your assistant and not your replacement! Remember to always critically evaluate any information generated by AI and bring your own literacy, writing and thinking skills to the task at hand. Some ways you can use AI are:
- Brainstorming: AI can help to brainstorm ideas, search terms, or concepts to help you navigate a topic that you're not familiar with. In can act as a creative assistant, especially with creative pursuits such as graphic design, music, and more.
- Explaining a concept: AI can help to distill complex concepts into simple language. Use AI as a starting point as you explore other resources once you've got the basic concepts.
- Research terms: Looking for synonyms or related terms to explode your search terms? AI can help to generate more related terms to use in your research.
- Study help: Let AI quiz your understanding on key topics. Make sure that the materials generated are accurate if you are using them to study for exams, quizzes, etc.!
- Data analysis: AI can summarize huge data sets. Make sure you verify the results and that you are not providing the AI tool with any data that is private or protected by copyright!
See some examples below!
Examples of using Gen AI for an assignment
AI tools can help you generate a diverse range of ideas for any topic
- Example in Microsoft Copilot with the following prompt I am a college student creating an educational escape room about climate change for a course on Global Warming. Can you please brainstorm some ideas about an educational escape room about climate change?
AI tools can break down complex topics into simpler terms, using examples and analogies to make them easier to understand.
- Example in Chat GPT with the following prompt: Can you explain how photosynthesis works like I'm 5 years old?
AI tools can help with research term expansion or connecting concepts
- Example in Google Gemini with the following prompt: Can you please provide other terms I can use when researching climate change?
Additional resources
- Gen AI and WritingFrom Conestoga College's guide "Gen AI for students"
- Before you start your researchFrom Sheridan College guide "Using Generative Artificial Intelligence for Research"
- How to Research and Write using Generative AI toolsFrom LinkedIn Learning, course shows you how to create effective prompts that deliver high-quality, task-relevant results. Get an overview of some of the key considerations of working with generative AI with hands-on, practical strategies to improve your research and writing. Find out how to summarize complex information, view subjects from multiple perspectives, build user personas and strategic models, analyze writing style, outline ideas, and generate new content. By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to leverage the power of ChatGPT and other chatbots to deliver more consistent writing outcomes every time.
- AI Tools for ResearchFrom the University of Waterloo, this guide provides a comparison on AI tools for research
Disclaimer
It's important to note that the information provided here serves as a general guide. Generative AI might not be allowed in your courses or assignments. If your instructor offers specific guidelines that differ from the information presented here, it's crucial to adhere to your instructor's directives.