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Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools use machine learning technologies to analyze prompts, data and images and generate output, including written text, voices, pictures, videos and more. These tools can mimic humans’ ability to learn, reason, solve problems and make decisions. Simply put, Generative AI creates content in response to a prompt that you give it.
Assistive AI helps you refine and improve your own work, like your spell checker or grammar checker. Generative AI on the other hand, creates content in response to a prompt you ask it.
Despite brilliant algorithms that can simulate a human personality, AI is not your companion and does not have emotions or feelings. Use these technology tools to augment your human capabilities, not replace them.
Image Attribution: "Artificial Intelligence" by filedebop, Deviant Art is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
Every class has a syllabus that tells you about the plan for learning and the professor’s expectations. In many courses, professors will include rules for using AI. Read the syllabus carefully and if AI isn’t mentioned, ask the professor about it right away.
Expect that AI policies will vary between professors, courses and even by projects and class assignments. Some faculty members will encourage or even require you to use AI, while others will limit or prohibit it. Those decisions are based on the learning goals for the course. Keep track of the policies for each course and assignment so you don’t get confused.
Everyone’s future professional and personal success will be influenced by AI systems. Learn how they work. Understand their strengths and weaknesses. Ask questions, be curious, try things, share what you know and learn from others.
Learn to use AI ethically. Ensure that the work you submit is truly your own. Properly disclose and cite how you use AI-generated content. Deepen your critical thinking skills and ability to evaluate AI-generated content and spot false information, biases and fake images, video and audio.
AI brings together knowledge from all disciplines. Develop a multidisciplinary mindset and explore classes in a wide range of subjects. Develop strong skills in using, analyzing and communicating about data and consider getting certifications related to AI.
We are only at the beginning of the AI revolution. New tools and AI uses will continually emerge. Always be on the lookout for what’s next. Work collaboratively with your peers and mentors. Adopt a lifelong learning mindset.
Always remember that AI systems are not private; you have limited or no control over how your data will be used. Use only reputable platforms, understand the terms of service and share as little information as possible about yourself or others.
Deepen your empathy and social skills. Stay focused on building strong relationships and thriving in the non-digital world. Exercise your apps-free creativity. Keep your unique human talents sharp in an environment filled with AI interactions.
To learn more, try these tutorials about ChatGPT from The University of Arizona Libraries. They contain short videos (3 min or less), and quiz questions for self-review of what you learned
This guide is based "The 2025 Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence" by Imagining the Digital Future, Elon University and American Association of Colleges and Universities is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
