Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere and refers to computer systems that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as writing text, generating images, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. AI is based on the idea of creating machines that can “think” and “learn” like humans do, using algorithms that can process large amounts of data and draw conclusions from it. There is great potential for using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Moonbeam, MidJourney or DALL-E as digital assistants both for your education and in your future workplace. As the number of embedded AI technologies increases within the software packages we commonly use, you’re going to need to develop your awareness, digital skills, and critical thinking to ensure that you approach these tools effectively and ethically, without negatively impacting the development of your skills and knowledge. Microsoft is shortly introducing Copilot within their products, with more partnerships and developments following rapidly, meaning that you are likely to encounter AI technologies in a wide range of settings, with them becoming a recognised part of writing as a process. AI technologies aim to simulate intelligent behaviour and automate complex processes, however, have been used since the 1950s and we have become accustomed to their everyday use, which we probably don’t even realise. Basic spell check and predictive text are great examples of AI. These are some more common everyday uses of AI: Virtual Assistants: AI powers virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. Siri was launched in 2011 on the iPhone 4S, and at the time, revolutionary. Alexa was slightly later in 2014, so I am sure you might remember this, and if your name is Alexa, for all the wrong reasons. Google Assistant shortly followed in 2016. These systems use natural language processing to understand and respond to user queries, helping with tasks such as setting reminders, sending messages, and providing information. Online Shopping Recommendations: Many e-commerce platforms use AI algorithms to analyse user behaviour, preferences, and purchase history to offer personalised product recommendations. This is designed to enhance the overall shopping experience but can seem a little spooky when adverts pop up merely because you have been talking about an item or product, yes AI really does listen to your conversations. Social Media Algorithms: AI algorithms on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter analyse user interactions and content preferences to present the user with personalised feeds. This includes showing relevant posts and advertisements, and importantly, friend suggestions. Email Filtering: AI is used in email services to filter out spam and organise emails. It can learn from user behaviour to categorise emails and prioritise important messages, an extremely useful tool if your inbox is anything like mine! Search Engines: Where would we be without search engines like Google? It utilises AI algorithms to identify what the user is looking for and provide more accurate and relevant search results. AI helps improve the efficiency of web searches by predicting what users are looking for. You may have heard of the term SEO. It stands for search engine optimisation and uses cookies, which as part of the privacy policy on the site, the user needs to give their permission for them to be able to function. Navigation Apps: AI is integrated into navigation applications like Google Maps, Waze, and others to analyse real-time traffic data and suggest the fastest routes based on current conditions. It’s interesting that many people now, can’t get anywhere without using an app! Smart Home Devices: AI is embedded in smart home devices, such as thermostats, lights, and security cameras. These devices can learn user preferences and adapt their behaviour, providing a more convenient and efficient living environment such as tracking your route home and ensuring that the lights are on for you when you arrive. Healthcare Diagnostics: AI is increasingly used in healthcare for diagnostic purposes. Machine learning algorithms can analyse medical images, detect patterns, and assist in the diagnosis of diseases like cancer. Fraud Detection: In the financial sector, AI is employed to detect unusual patterns or transactions that may indicate fraudulent activities. It helps enhance security and protect against unauthorised access. Language Translation: AI-powered language translation services like Google Translate, use machine learning to understand and translate text in real-time, breaking down language barriers and ensuring that you order the right meal when abroad! Content Recommendations: Streaming platforms like Netflix and music services like Spotify use AI algorithms to analyse user preferences and provide personalised content recommendations. These examples illustrate how AI has become an integral part of our daily lives, making processes more efficient, personalised, and adaptive to individual needs. As AI technologies continue to advance, their impact on everyday activities is likely to grow even further.
Benefits of using AI
AI can be your learning buddy, ensuring you understand and enjoy every bit of your learning. Grammarly reviews spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes in English texts, it can also detect plagiarism and suggests replacements for the identified errors. There is a free service and a paid-for upgrade. ChatGPT is a chatbot that will answer questions and can act like a super-smart detective as well as provide instant feedback on the work that you have written. Using this AI tool is not so that it can answer the question for you and then you copy-and-paste it into your assignment, it’s there as a tool to use to ask questions to ensure you have a fuller understanding of what you need to answer. For example. The question you need to answer is: Explain the location, structure and function of the heart. The answer that ChatGPT will give you is very detailed and structured and most probably, not how you would answer the question, so to copy and paste it, would not be your work. You can however ask some questions such as: Suggest the headings that need to be included in my answer to explain the location, structure and function of the heart. You can also copy your work into ChatGPT and ask it if it makes sense and /or is relevant to the question that you are trying to answer. Another very helpful tool is otter.ai This is particularly helpful to mitigate the ‘blank page syndrome’ that many students face. Blank page syndrome is the block that you face when you sit down to answer a question and don’t know where to start. If you’re learning preference is auditory, then you would be better off discussing the answer to the question with a colleague. This is where otter.ai is useful. You can set the app to start recording a discussion around the question and it will record what you and your colleague say, separating the individual chats. Once you have finished, you can send the audio to be converted into a text document which gives you the basis to answer the question in your own words.
Drawbacks to using AI.
While AI can be a powerful tool for answering assessment questions, there are several challenges associated with it that you need to be aware of. AI models may lack commonsense reasoning abilities, making it challenging to answer questions that require a deeper understanding of the world or situations that are not explicitly stated or struggle to grasp the full context of a question, especially when it involves nuanced language. Understanding context is crucial for providing accurate and relevant answers to make sure you explain why you are asking the question. Have you heard the phrase – garbage in – garbage out? AI models rely heavily on the data they are trained on. If the training data is biased or limited, the AI system may produce biased or incomplete answers. It might also struggle with questions or topics that are not present in the training data. AI models may inadvertently generate biases in the responses if included within the training data. This raises ethical concerns, especially in educational assessments where fairness and impartiality are crucial. Being mindful of the possible issues of using ChatGPT, you can benefit from using it in your learning and creating answers to written questions in several ways: ChatGPT provides instant responses to queries, offering a quick and accessible resource for clarification on various topics. Interacting with ChatGPT can help you gain a deeper understanding of concepts. You can ask follow-up questions or seek additional explanations to reinforce your knowledge. ChatGPT can learn to tailor responses based on individual queries, providing a personalised learning experience that caters to your specific needs and pace of learning. Another benefit is that it is available round the clock, allowing you to seek assistance or information at any time, which can be particularly helpful for self-directed learning or late-night study sessions. It serves as a valuable addition to traditional classroom learning, offering greater insights and explanations beyond what might be able to be covered in a typical classroom time frame. If you’re interested in the subject, there is never enough time to explore everything. You can use ChatGPT to receive guidance on structuring written responses, improving writing skills, and refining the articulation of your ideas. You can use ChatGPT to explore new ideas, brainstorm, and receive suggestions, encouraging the development of imaginative thinking and analytical skills, whilst assisting with language learning by providing correct grammar, vocabulary suggestions, and language practice exercises. Using ChatGPT in learning and producing written answers to questions raises several ethical considerations, such that using ChatGPT to generate answers could fall foul of plagiarism. Your work must include original thinking and proper citation to avoid academic misconduct.