What is Generative AI?
Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is comprised of tools and systems that are able to produce text, images, and other content using trained data models and algorithms. Generative AI tools powered by large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, have made a large impression because of its ease-of-use and ability to write about seemingly any topic. LLMs are trained using billions of words and phrases collected from the internet and books, and it can generate responses in a conversational “thread” and take previous prompts or instructions into account. UFIT provides access to generative AI services on the UFIT AI page. NaviGator Chat, for example, makes it easy for faculty, staff, and students to interact with many different LLMs in a secure environment.
Generative AI in Higher Education
Many articles have been written about generative AI's impacts on higher education. A selection of articles about generative AI's effects are listed below:
- Alarmed by A.I. Chatbots, Universities Start Revamping How They Teach - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
- AI Unleashed | Higher Ed Gamma (insidehighered.com)
- AI Homework – Stratechery by Ben Thompson
- Guest Post: AI Will Augment, Not Replace | Just Visiting (insidehighered.com)
Considerations for Generative AI and Teaching
Care should be taken to only used approved tools and services in order to ensure data security. The Fast Path entry on the UFIT Integrated Risk Management website describes how you can use NaviGator Chat and Microsoft Copilot. Any data that falls under the Sensitive or Restricted data types should not be used with AI models hosted externally, and tools such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek are not permitted for use. Sensitive and Restricted data includes education records, unpublished research, personally identifiable information, and many other examples of data that would be inappropriate to disclose to the public.
The CITT has advice on adapting assessments in light of generative AI and other generative AI tools on the Generative AI and Teaching page. We also offer consultations and webinars on AI and other tools impacting teaching and learning through our Tech Byte series.
To discuss how your course or assignments can be designed with ChatGPT or other generative AI tools in mind, please request assistance with educational technology and tools from the CITT! Our technologists and instructional designers can provide advice on modifying assessments and explain in more detail how ChatGPT could affect your specific course.
Additional Resources
In addition, other professionals have also compiled lists of resources and articles about ChatGPT’s effects in education that you might find helpful: