About ChatGPT and AI Content Generators

Center for Teaching Excellence

  • What is Generative AI?

    Generative AI (GenAI) refers to artificial intelligence systems that can create new content—such as text, images, music, or code—based on patterns learned from large datasets. Tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Copilot are examples of GenAI technologies capable of producing realistic and useful outputs in response to human prompts.

    Unlike traditional AI, which often classifies or predicts based on existing data, generative AI is designed to produce novel responses that resemble human-created content.

  • How Can It Be Used in Teaching and Learning?

    In higher education, GenAI tools are increasingly being explored for a variety of purposes, including:

    • Brainstorming and idea generation (e.g., writing prompts, outlines, creative approaches)

    • Drafting and revising written work

    • Providing explanations, summaries, or practice questions

    • Assisting with coding or data analysis

    • Creating teaching materials (e.g., quizzes, case studies, lesson plans)

    • Supporting accessibility and multilingual learning

    • Enhancing student engagement through adaptive or conversational tools

    The potential of GenAI lies in its flexibility—it can be used by both instructors and students to support learning, creativity, and productivity.

    Consider attending our AI Demystify Faculty Learning Community to explore how to use ChatGPT!

  • What are the strengths of Generative AI?

    • Efficiency: Saves time on routine or repetitive tasks like drafting or formatting.

    • Scalability: Helps instructors generate or adapt materials quickly for different learner needs.

    • Personalization: Can tailor feedback or explanations to different learning levels.

    • Creativity support: Acts as a sounding board or co-creator in brainstorming or design.

  • What are the limitations of Generative AI?

    • Accuracy and Reliability: AI may generate plausible-sounding but factually incorrect or biased content.

    • Transparency: Many tools do not cite sources or explain their reasoning.

    • Ethical Concerns: Includes questions of authorship, academic integrity, privacy, and algorithmic bias.

    • Overreliance: Students or instructors might depend too heavily on AI instead of developing their own skills.

    • Access and Equity: Uneven access to tools or knowledge about how to use them can widen gaps.

  • Suggestions for prompting Generative AI

    Using generative AI effectively depends largely on how you ask. A prompt is the instruction or input you give to the AI system, and the quality of the output often reflects the clarity and specificity of that input.

    Just like teaching a class, the more context you provide, the more relevant and thoughtful the response will be.

    Tips for Better Prompts

    • Be Clear and Specific
      State exactly what you want the tool to do. Instead of “Explain photosynthesis,” try:
      • “Explain photosynthesis to a high school student in three paragraphs, using analogies.”
    • Provide Context
      Include background information or the purpose of the task:
      • “Write a summary of this article for students who missed class. Focus on main ideas, avoid technical jargon.”
    • Set the Role or Style
      Ask the AI to take on a persona or tone:
      • “Act as a writing tutor. Give constructive feedback on grammar and clarity in this paragraph.”
    • Iterate and Refine
      Don’t expect perfect results the first time. Adjust your prompt based on what you get back.
      • “That summary is too long. Can you shorten it to 100 words and include one example?”
    • Use Structured Prompts for Teaching Tasks
      For designing assignments, rubrics, or activities, try prompting with structure:
      • “Create a quiz with 3 multiple choice and 2 short-answer questions on Bloom’s taxonomy for an undergraduate education course.”

    Prompting isn’t just technical—it’s pedagogical. It mirrors the skills instructors already use to ask good questions, design assignments, and scaffold student thinking. Encouraging students to write strong prompts can also build their metacognitive and critical thinking skills.

     

  • References and Additional resources

     

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