This guide is designed to support students, faculty, and staff at IOU University in navigating the rapidly changing landscape of generative AI. It offers an overview of widely used AI research tools, tips for effective prompt creation, and highlights key library resources on AI. It also covers basic ethical issues in AI and explains how to cite sources properly.
If you need more help, just send an email to IOU librarian, we’re happy to assist!
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, refers to the ability of machines and computer systems to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. These tasks include learning, problem-solving, understanding language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions.
Generative AI Tools
Generative AI tools are a type of AI that can create new content, such as text, images, audio, or code. They work by learning from large amounts of data and then generating original outputs based on user instructions, or "prompts." Examples include ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Google Gemini.
Large Language Models (LLMs)
Large Language Models are a type of AI trained on massive amounts of text to understand and produce human-like language. LLMs power many generative AI tools and are capable of answering questions, writing essays, summarizing texts, translating languages, and more. ChatGPT is one example of an LLM.
Prompt Engineering
Prompt engineering is the practice of designing and refining the questions or instructions (called prompts) you give to an AI tool—especially large language models like ChatGPT—to get the most accurate, helpful, or creative response.
Good prompt engineering helps guide the AI to produce better results by being specific, clear, and sometimes using examples.
Always check your course syllabus or ask your instructor before using AI tools for assignments. Not all professors or courses allow their use.
AI Tools Can Be Helpful For:
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Use Caution With AI Tools If You:
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*Always check the copyright terms of any content you upload to an AI tool.