These resources and tips can give you a better understanding of how artificial intelligence tools can be used in your academic research.
Use these tools responsibly, ethically and under the guidance of your instructor to ensure compliance with CCAC's Academic Integrity policy.
Used effectively, AI tools can help with your understanding of a subject and shouldn't be used as a shortcut to completing your assignments.
"Create an Image of Students Using a Laptop in a College Library." Microsoft Copilot, 10 May 2024.
AI generators collate a response based on your prompt. The output can be impressive, but it is based on an analysis of words and phrases found throughout websites and then generated based on the prompt. Results can be inaccurate, nonsensical, biased and lack any supporting resources. Make certain to check the output!
Brainstorming & search terms
Generating outlines
Focusing a topic
Understanding difficult subjects
Writing an essay or speech
Providing references
Verifiable information
Unbiased perspectives
An AI prompt is a specific instruction you give a powerful computer program, like telling a barista your coffee order. The clearer your prompt, the better the AI understands what you want it to do, like write an essay or translate a text.
"AI Prompt Definition." Google Gemini, 8 May 2024.
Define the goal: Identify the purpose of the prompt and what the output should be.
Be specific: Include precise instructions and keywords or phrases.
Stay concise: Keep each prompt short, but continue the conversation with follow up prompts.
Provide the output: Define what you want: an outline, list of terms, or a short paragraph of ideas.
A series of prompts can be a conversation with the AI tool. This back-and-forth chat allows you to give directions and then build on ideas, refining each step as you progress through the interaction.
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