General Purpose Usage of AI
Disclaimer:
The privacy statement, licensing terms, and digital accessibility of the following AI Chatbots have not been reviewed by VCSU. Users must comply with NDUS Procedure 840 Contracts and VCSU V1203.03 Artificial Intelligence Policy. Specifically, a VCSU user may not require another user to load and use a particular AI Chatbot and you may not enter, or attempt to obtain, information classified as private, restricted, or confidential by policy or law using these AI Chatbots or any other AI Chatbot not explicitly approved by the VCSU AI Review Board for such purposes.
When using an AI tool for projects, school assignments, or support, there are ways to ensure the usage of the AI is to your advantage. Keep these 4 steps in mind when using AI to effectively use it while keeping the theme, cohesion, and material your own. If you want a "How to" for each step, click on the title of each step to go to a detailed article for that step.
Define Clear Objectives:
Defining clear objectives means understanding and clearly stating what you need help with. This involves being specific about the task at hand and the kind of assistance you require from the AI tool.
Use Specific Prompts:
Using specific prompts means providing detailed and precise instructions or questions to the AI tool. This involves including all relevant information and context in your request so that the AI can generate a response that meets your exact needs.
Iterating and refining:
This involves providing feedback on the AI’s initial response and requesting adjustments or additional information to improve the final output. This process allows you to fine-tune the response until it meets your specific needs and expectations.
Verify Information:
Verifying information involves checking the accuracy and reliability of the responses provided by AI tools. This means cross-referencing the AI’s output with credible sources, asking for references, and consulting experts when necessary.
Additional Tips for using AI:
Break Down Tasks:
Use AI chatbots for specific parts of a task. For instance, if writing a paper, ask for help with outlining, drafting, and editing separately.
Leverage Multiple AI responses:
If the first response isn’t perfect, refine your prompt. For example, "Rewrite this paragraph to be more concise."
Stay Ethical:
Use AI tools to enhance learning, not replace it. AI chatbots can assist in understanding complex topics, providing explanations in simpler terms, and offering different perspectives. Instead of just getting an answer, use the chatbot to explain the reasoning behind the answer, help you develop critical thinking skills, and suggest additional resources for deeper learning.
Ask for Explanations:
Rather than just seeking answers, ask the AI to explain concepts in detail. For example, "Explain the key differences between classical and operant conditioning."
Use for Study Aids:
Request summaries, flashcards, or quizzes on topics you are studying. This can help reinforce your learning.
Get Different Perspectives:
Ask the AI to present different viewpoints on a topic. For example, "What are the pros and cons of using renewable energy sources?"
Data Privacy:
Be mindful of the data you share with AI tools. Avoid inputting sensitive personal information.
Click here to learn how to install ChatGPT, CoPilot, and Google Gemini.
Click here for VCSU's Student guide on using AI wisely.
Click here for VCSU's Staff guide on using AI wisely.
Click here for VCSU's Faculty guide on using AI wisely.
Click here for student uses of AI.
Click here for staff uses of AI.
Created with assistance from ChatGPT. (used to generate ideas and editing)
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT-4o (June 2024 version). [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat