“Generative AI refers to a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on generating new and original content, such as images, text, music, and even video, that is not explicitly programmed or copied from existing examples. Generative AI models are designed to learn patterns and structures from large datasets and then generate new output based on that learning.
ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI. It is based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture, specifically GPT-3.5. It is designed to generate human-like responses to text-based prompts.
ChatGPT has been trained on a wide range of internet text to learn patterns and context from the data. It can understand and generate coherent responses across various topics, engage in conversations, answer questions, and provide information. It has been used in a variety of applications, including chatbots, virtual assistants and customer support systems. (Open AI. 2023).”
Functions of AI
AI can be a valuable tool with many applications and is already being used in our daily lives. It has applications in e-commerce, healthcare, education and technology.
For example:
AI systems are powerful enough to perform a wide variety of practical functions and tasks (examples retrieved from NVIDIA, n.d.; Upshall, 2022
Function |
Example of Tools *Note: this is not an exhaustive list. |
---|---|
Generate text from a prompt “Write a paper on the impact of fake news on education” |
ChatGPT CopyAI Jasper |
Synthesize information (e.g., summarize a text, create a procedure from multiple sources) |
Scholarcy ChatGPT Quillbot |
Create an image or digital illustration from a prompt “A Cubist oil painting of a couple lounging next to a creek” |
DALL·E 2 Midjourney Craiyon Stable Diffusion |
Generate computer code (e.g., generate new code from a comment, fix flawed code) |
GitHub Copilot ChatGPT |
Translate text “Translate the following text from Turkish to English” |
Google Translate ChatGPT |
Enhance productivity in teaching and research by assisting with repetitive tasks such as writing, transcribing and suggesting related resources |
Grammarly [writing support] Web of Science Reviewer Locator [suggests peer reviewers] Transkribus [handwriting transcription for archival documents] Turnitin [text matching] |
"Functions of AI" is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 by Mount Royal University Library.
There Is An AI For That allows you to search and browse the universe of AI apps that are available.
Quality of AI Content
Remember to evaluate the content that is the result of an AI generated prompt (question). AI content can be false, incomplete, or completely made up. It is important users are aware of these issues and have the skills to ensure the materials they are using are accurate and reliable.
AI generators are programed using large data sets that may include copyright protected material without credit.
AI uses patterns not logic to return a response to your prompt. It does not check for inconsistencies or truth among the data it presents. AI will sometimes even make up responses - this is known as “hallucination”
When researching a topic, you should always evaluate the information for quality. Keep in mind that not all the information you find online is credible, reliable, or even appropriate for your topic, so it is important to take a closer look at what you are reading. Use the tips below to determine if you should use a particular source for your research assignment. To improve your evaluation skills https://tlp-lpa.ca/research/evaluate-for-quality