Navigating Generative AI in Higher Education

If you are using a tool that requires an account, you may use your OWU email address but choose a password that is different from your university credentials. Do not share any data with an AI tool that would violate confidentiality of OWU faculty, staff, or students. Data that contains sensitive information should never be inputted into an AI tool. It is a good rule of thumb not to provide any details with an AI chatbot that you would not want to be freely available to the public. 

Before you use generative AI tools, you may want to consider the potential privacy risks. Many tools use user-interactions with Chatbots for training purposes. While companies like OpenAI and Google state that all identifying information is removed first, there is still a risk associated with offering personal information or details to AI tools. Specific to Google's Gemini, how your data is used depends on whether or not you are using the paid version. While the paid subscription has a more robust privacy policy, you should still be careful not to input any sensitive information as these policies are subject to change. 

As with any technology, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the privacy policy and user agreement of the product you are using prior to sign-up.

You should also review the following OWU policies to ensure you are using AI technology in acceptable, responsible ways

• FERPA Rights and Privacy
• Copyright Policy
• Computer Use Policy
• Information Security Best Practices

Generative AI tools, like any technology, have their limitations. Before you dive into experimenting with different AI tools, take the time to understand these limitations. This will help you use them ethically, responsibly, and effectively.

1. As noted in the section on privacy, any information entered into an AI tool may not be confidential. You should use these tools assuming that your prompts may be used for training purposes. Though paid versions of some tools currently limit how companies can use your data, these policies change frequently. 
2. AI tools are not a replacement for human originality, resourcefulness, or  critical thinking. Your creativity and expertise are required to ensure the outputs you get from these tools are beneficial to your individual work. Talk to other people in your department and work collaboratively to decide the best ways to introduce these tools to maximize their effectiveness. 
3. One of the biggest limitations of most AI tools is their accuracy. Do not rely on AI tools to provide factual information. If you are looking for data points, research, or news, there are better technology tools available than AI chatbots. While this technology is improving, its number one goal is to provide you with an answer, even if the information is completely made up. Instead, use library databases, books, scholarly journals, or trusted websites to find factual information related to your work.  
4. AI tools, like other web-based technology, are influenced by the biases of their creators. Big tech companies are currently the ones taking the lead in LLMs and their own biases are being replicated in the algorithms' response. Algorithmic bias is not limited to AI tools but as these tools are integrated into more everyday systems, such as iPhones and Microsoft Office, users need to think about what viewpoints are missing from the conversation. Additionally, the datasets used to train LLMs are mostly English-language based which means that they may lack a multilingual, multicultural perspective. It is important to be aware of this limitation and to seek out other sources that can provide diverse perspectives. 

Usage of AI tools will vary depending on your role and responsibilities. As you experiment with these tools, think about tasks in which you could use assistance. AI tools are not a replacement for human originality, resourcefulness, or  critical thinking. Your creativity and expertise are required to ensure the outputs you get from these tools are beneficial to your individual work. Below are some of the ways that AI generative tools can be used, along with prompts and responses generated by ChatGPT. This is a small sampling of ideas for prompts and there are hundreds more you might try.

Remember, you should always verify outputs as AI tools are prone to inaccuracies and biases. It is also a good practice to disclose the use of AI in your work, including the prompt entered and the tool used. 

Providing Summaries: LLMs are able to take complex information and explain it simply. Some tools, such as Claude, allow you to upload documents and ask for a summary of the material. 

• Prompt: Explain LLMs and neural networks to me as though I am 5 years old.
• ChatGPT Response: Sure! Imagine you have a big box of colorful building blocks. Each block is a different shape and color. Now, think of a really smart robot that loves to play with these blocks. The robot has a special way of arranging these blocks to build different things, like a castle or a spaceship. This special way of arranging blocks helps the robot figure out new things, like understanding how to build different structures. This is like a neural network—it's a bunch of blocks working together to help the robot learn and understand.

  Now, imagine the robot has also read lots of storybooks and knows a lot about words and sentences. When you ask the robot something, it uses what it learned from the books to talk to you and answer your questions. This is like an LLM, which is really good at understanding and using words because it has learned from lots of text. So, the neural network is like the robot’s clever way of putting blocks together to figure things out, and the LLM is like the robot’s knowledge of words that helps it answer questions. They work together to make the robot smart and helpful!

Brainstorming: Generative AI tools can be helpful in generating new ideas for problem solving. You may find that some ideas are more plausible than others but using gen AI in this way can help kickstart your own creativity. For best results, give the AI a role, provide context, explain your goals, include any constraints or limitations, and any ideas you have already tried. It also helps to limit the number of ideas you want from the AI tool. Here's an example:

• Prompt: You are an administrator at a private university with the goal of increasing enrollment by 15% over the next two years. You have a limited budget and minimal staff time. Do not include ideas that involve engaging alumni. Provide 2 ideas to try to reach your goal.
• ChatGPT Response: To increase enrollment by 15% over the next two years with a limited budget and minimal staff time, consider focusing on improving your university’s online presence and leveraging partnerships.

  Enhancing your website’s user experience can make a significant impact. Ensure that the site is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and highlights key programs and success stories. This helps prospective students find the information they need quickly and encourages them to apply. Additionally, optimizing your website for search engines can help attract more visitors who are actively looking for universities.

  Building partnerships with local high schools and community organizations is another effective strategy. Collaborate with these institutions to offer virtual informational sessions or workshops that introduce students to your programs. Engaging with school counselors and teachers can also help promote your university directly to students who are considering their college options.

Writing Assistance: It is best to use AI in this way when you already have a draft written and you just need help making the text more professional or grammatically correct. Keep in mind that most AI tools write in a very formal style and you may need to further edit the output to ensure your final product does not sound robotic. 

• Prompt: I am writing an email to a new faculty member to introduce myself as their human resources representative. Edit the below text for readability, spelling mistakes and correct grammatical errors. "Good morning, Dr B my name is A and I am you're human resources rep. If you need help with benefits, I am the person who can help you figure them out. I look forward to workig with you."
• ChatGPT Response: Certainly! This version is more polished and professional, with corrected spelling and grammar. Here’s a revised version of your email: 

Good morning, Dr. B,

My name is A, and I am your Human Resources representative. If you need assistance with benefits, I am here to help you navigate them. I look forward to working with you.

Best regards,
A

Creating Outlines: Generative AI tools are particularly good at creating outlines if the inputted prompt provides enough context and detail. You can generally follow the same formula used for brainstorming. Start by giving the AI a role to perform, provide context, and detail (being mindful not to share sensitive information).

• Prompt: You work in university advancement and are launching a campaign to raise funds for a new library building. Create an outline that is organized and logical to pitch this initiative to alumni. Include details about the cutting edge digital commons. (NOTE: for a more robust outline, you would need to provide additional detail.)
• ChatGPT Response: **Outline for Pitching the New Library Building Campaign**

   **I. Introduction**

  1. **Greeting and Appreciation**
     - Express gratitude to alumni for their continued support and involvement.
     - Highlight the significant role alumni play in the university's growth and development.

  2. **Purpose of the Pitch**
     - Introduce the initiative for the new library building.
     - Emphasize how this project will enhance the university experience and impact future generations.

  **II. Vision for the New Library**

  1. **Overview of the Project**
     - Description of the new library’s design and concept.
     - Visuals: architectural renderings or concept images (if available).

  2. **Strategic Importance**
     - Explanation of why the library is a priority for the university.
     - Connection to broader goals: academic excellence, student success, and innovation.

  **III. Cutting-Edge Digital Commons**

  1. **Advanced Technology Integration**
     - Overview of the digital commons and its features.
     - Description of state-of-the-art digital resources: high-speed internet, collaborative software, virtual reality labs.

  2. **Benefits for Students and Faculty**
     - Enhanced research capabilities.
     - Improved access to digital learning tools and online resources.
     - Support for innovative teaching and learning methods.

  **VI. Funding Needs and Opportunities**

  1. **Financial Goals**
     - Breakdown of the total funding required for the project.
     - Current progress and remaining funding needs.

  2. **Ways to Contribute**
     - Overview of donation options: one-time gifts, pledges, naming opportunities.
     - Explanation of how donations will be used and the impact of each contribution.

  3. **Recognition and Appreciation**
     - Details on how donors will be recognized (e.g., donor walls, naming rights).
     - Plans for acknowledging contributions during and after the campaign.

  **VII. Call to Action**

  1. **Engagement Invitation**
     - Encourage alumni to visit the campaign website or contact the advancement office for more information.
     - Invitation to attend upcoming events or informational sessions related to the project.

  2. **Closing Remarks**
     - Reiterate the importance of the library for the university’s future.
     - Express confidence in the alumni’s support and commitment to making this vision a reality.

  ---

  **Attachments:**

  - Detailed architectural plans and renderings.
  - Case studies or examples of similar successful projects.
  - Testimonials from faculty and students about the impact of such facilities.

  **Follow-Up:**

  - Schedule a follow-up call or meeting for interested alumni.
  - Provide a timeline for project milestones and funding updates.

  This structured approach ensures that the pitch is comprehensive, engaging, and clearly communicates the value of the new library to potential donors.