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Student Guide to Generative Artificial Intelligence

Learn to use generative AI (like ChatGPT) ethically and effectively

Use AI for Study and Learning Assistance

You can use generative AI to get explanations of difficult concepts in simple terms, generate practice questions or flashcards, and receive personalized study tips. AI can also help break down complex readings, summarize key points and even provide quizzes to reinforce your memory. This support makes studying more efficient and interactive, and helps you stay engaged and better prepared for exams.

Suggestions

Use AI tools to:

  • Challenge you with questions and tests adapted to your knowledge, skills, learning preferences and pace 
  • Create visual diagrams and help organize your class notes 
  • Help with note-taking, language translation, captioning, speech-to-text and other accessibility functions 
  • Try AI tutors like Khanmigo, Quizlet and others built to help you learn, not just give you all the answers.
  • Use Notebook.lm’s study guide or similar tools to quiz you on texts and materials you provide.
  • Use AI tools in Zoom to take meeting notes and support group study session

Cautions

  • Always remain an active, engaged learner who uses AI as a study resource in a quest for deeper understanding 
  • Remember to work with groups and friends to study together – you will learn in ways that AI systems cannot simulate 
  • Always ask permission from everyone in a meeting or discussion before video or audio recording 
  • Always take good notes in class and while you’re studying – AI systems are not a substitute for processing ideas with your own mind and making human judgments about information 
  • Develop learning and critical thinking skills independent of AI tools; you will use these capabilities at work and throughout life 

Examples: Four prompts for creating study guides

Summarization prompt

“Summarize the key concepts of supply and demand, including definitions of equilibrium price and quantity, and market forces as described in: ‘name your textbook chapter here.’” 

Question generation prompt

“Generate 10 multiple-choice questions and 5 short-answer questions based on the topic of the Pavlovian response in humans as explained in: ‘name your textbook chapter here.’” 

Elaboration prompt

“Elaborate on the theme of disillusionment in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby.’ Explain how this theme is developed through the characters, providing specific examples from chapters 4, 7 and 9.” 

Practice problems prompt

“Generate five practice problems that require the use of the power rule, product rule and quotient rule to find the derivative of a function. Provide the solutions showing all steps clearly. Refer to: ‘name of your textbook here.’” 

Examples of AI tools to use for studying and learning