AI Literacy in the Age of ChatGPT

This guide focuses on generative AI

We cover only AI that can generate text, images, video, music, or speech. Examples: ChatGPT, Gemini, Midjourney, Runway. 

We aim to keep this guide up to date. But since new developments are happening so quickly, it's possible this may be out of date when you read it.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a category of web-based tools that use algorithms, data, and statistical models to draw reasonable inferences to create content of its own (e,g., text, images, etc.). They are not search engines but rather trained chatbots. Using a prompt, a chatbot strives to fill in the next missing content piece, "what one might expect" (Wolfram). 

These tools use large language models to provide bots with the data they need to reply to a prompt you have given it appropriately. For example, when ChatGPT writes a response to a prompt, it provides text based on what words came before and what is the most likely next word. Because AI uses natural language and computes so quickly, it can often seem like the chatbot is, in fact, intelligent. 

The field of AI is changing at a rapid pace. We know that these generative tools help users synthesize information and create content (code, essays, art, music, etc.). However, these tools can also "hallucinate", or make up facts or sources and create biased content. 

Attributions: "What is Generative Artificial Intelligence?"UC San Diego Library is licensed under CC BY 4.0

"What is ChatGPT Doing...and Why Does it Work?" by Stephen Wolfram is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

If you are new to the practice of using generative AI tools like ChatGPT, these short videos provide a useful introduction.

Practical AI for Instructors and Students 

(10 to 12 minutes each) from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

• Part 1: Introduction to AI for Teachers and Students
   
• Part 2: Large Language Models (LLMs)
   
• Part 3: Prompting AI
   
• Part 4: AI for Teachers
   
• Part 5: AI for Students

Brief tutorials from the University of Arizona Libraries. Total time to complete all four, approximately 30-40 minutes.

1. The technology behind ChatGPT
2. What is generative AI?
3. Using ChatGPT effectively
4. How does ChatGPT aim to prevent harmful use?

"AI Literacy in the Age of ChatGPT" by Nicole Hennig, University of Arizona Libraries is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

We are indebted to the University of Arizona Libraries upon which this guide is based.