Creating Clear Objectives for AI Usage
Clear Objectives for Using AI
When it comes to leveraging AI having clear objectives is paramount. Clear objectives serve as a guiding framework, ensuring that the AI tool is utilized in a focused and productive manner. Answer these questions before crafting the an AI prompt, to verify project goals are in mind.
This is Step 1 on how to use AI for general use. Click here to see the rest of the steps.
How to create clear objectives:
Identify the Problem or Goal: The first step is to clearly identify the problem you are trying to solve or the goal you wish to achieve. For example, are you looking to create an outline for a paper, build a set of flashcards, or create an AI tutor? Understanding the specific need helps in selecting the right AI tool and approach.
Define the Purpose: Now that you know what the problem or goal is you want to accomplish, define what you would like to get out of the AI. Do you need an outline, list or resources, editing, or similar?
Set Boundaries and Scope: Clearly define the scope of the AI’s application. Determine what tasks the AI will handle and what will remain under human control. This helps in managing expectations and prevents scope creep, ensuring that the AI is used where it is most effective.
Understand your Audience: Know who will be the person reading your content. In most cases, this will be your professor or yourself, but can also be your classmates, or people in the wider community. Use this to set the tone and level of reading needed for the AI's response.
Involve Others: Engage with all relevant people when setting objectives. While this is evident in team oriented projects, solo projects benefit from this by allow others to come up with, change, or interpret the objectives you have come up with.
Document Objectives: Clearly document the objectives and share them with all team members involved in the project, if any. This documentation serves as a reference point and ensures everyone is aligned.
Regular Review: Periodically review the objectives to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with your goals. As projects evolve, so may the objectives, and staying adaptable is crucial.
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Click here for VCSU's Faculty guide on using AI wisely.
Click here for student uses of AI.
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References:
Bowen, J. A., & Watson, C. E. (2024). Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Down-home.net. (2023, July 11). Mastering the Art of Content: The Best Way to Craft Compelling Content. Retrieved from Down Home: https://www.down-home.net/mastering-the-art-of-content-writing-the-best-way-to-craft-compelling-content/
Mollick, E., & Mollick, L. (2023). Assigning AI: Seven Approaches for Students with Prompts. Wharton Interactive.
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