Generative AI is a powerful, and sometimes useful tool that will only become more prevalent as technology evolves. However, the use of Generative AI can also short-circuit the learning process, preventing students from engaging deeply with their material; a process that is essential in developing persistent learning. The overuse of this technology also prevents students from exercising, and therefore developing, their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Therefore, the use of Generative AI may be severely restricted.
“Think of generative AI as a smart artist that can create new pieces of art after looking at thousands of examples. It’s like having a robot that learns what a cat looks like from many photos and then draws its own cat pictures. This AI artist doesn’t just copy; it learns the style and elements of what it sees and then uses that knowledge to make something new and unique.
In more technical terms, generative AI is like a recipe that the AI follows to cook up new things. It mixes ingredients (data) it has seen before in different ways to make new creations. Sometimes it checks with a friend (another part of the AI) to see if the new creation is good or if it needs more seasoning. This back-and-forth helps the AI get better and better at making things that are both new and realistic. It’s a bit like learning to cook by trying new combinations of flavors until you find something delicious!”
However, there are limitations and pitfalls to look out for.
These applications work using Large Language Models and massive data sets. The systems can perpetuate the biases, gaps and inaccuracies present within the data.
Keep in mind that as clever and creative generated responses may be, these systems are essentially recombining, remixing, and regurgitating the (often copyrighted) material created by others.
Have you ever worried that an overreliance on Google to remind us of things such as ‘who was in that movie’, may impede our ability to recall information on our own? It’s a valid concern, and similarly so with an overreliance on generative AI. Just like our physical abilities, cognitive skills improve with exercise and atrophy with disuse. Don’t let these tools rob you of the benefits of regular mental exercise.
Not all AI generated content can be relied upon. Always verify, and preferably use a tool that provides citations within its responses (Microsoft CoPilot) so you can validate what it’s telling you.
"Generative AI refers to deep-learning models that can generate high-quality text, images, and other content based on the data they were trained on" IBM Research (2023)
There are many, but these are currently the more commonly used Generative AI applications:
NBCC Library Services have resources that can help you understand how to appropriately cite material, including AI generated content, or materials derived from AI generated content.
We strongly recommend only using AI tools that cite their sources. However, before citing AI content, be sure to read and review the cited source material. The two most common styles of citation are;