Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

Defining GenAI

Let’s start with the basics. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science focused on creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks may include problem-solving, language understanding, and interaction.

Generative AI (GenAI) refers to a category of artificial intelligence technologies designed to generate new content, such as text, images, video, audio, or code, that is similar to what a human might produce. This is achieved through algorithms, often based on neural networks, which learn patterns and structures from large datasets (OpenAI, 2024).

The generation of responses includes the following steps:

  • Input (Prompt): The GenAI processes the input to “understand” what you are asking.
  • Prediction: The GenAI predicts the most appropriate response based on its training on “learned” context and patterns.
  • Output: The GenAI generates responses while aiming to provide useful and accurate information.

There are a variety of ethical considerations surrounding AI, including bias, privacy, transparency, and copyright concerns. We encourage you to consider these as you create your AI policy.

If you would like to learn more, please visit the Penn State Library Guide on Generative AI: ChatGPT and Beyond or refer to the additional resources listed on our website.

Examples of AI Authoring Tools

There are a wide variety of AI authoring tools available. Each is better suited for some tasks than others. It is helpful to explore various tools to become familiar with the differences in affordances. This list curated by Penn State is a good starting place for exploring tools, as is the Penn State Library Guide linked previously.

The only GenAI tool currently approved at Penn State is Microsoft Copilot. Penn State’s Information Technology Learning and Development (ITLD) unit has developed a new Microsoft 365: Copilot Learning Path, a self-paced resource that can help you find answers to the following questions:

  • What should I know before using Copilot?
  • How can I access Copilot?
  • What can Copilot do for me?

GenAI and Your Course: Clearly Communicate Expectations

In light of the growth of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), it is strongly recommended that each course identify a clear policy on GenAI use. Integrating this policy into your syllabus ensures students understand your expectations regarding GenAI tools like ChatGPT. eLDIG has prepared a few sample syllabus statements you can review and adapt based on your course objectives and needs.

Assignment Level GenAI Expectations

Once you determine the GenAI policy for your course, we suggest adding a statement in each Canvas assignment reminding students of the GenAI policy for each assignment. The eLDIG team has created GenAI Canvas Assignment icons that you can incorporate into your assignments to communicate your expectations visually and clearly as appropriate for your course needs. The above link includes a sample of the icons and the associated code you can copy into Canvas courses.

When appropriate, consider creating assignments that incorporate generative AI in a specific manner, such as generating ideas for a research topic or revising initial drafts. It is important to keep up with advancements in generative AI to refine instructional practices accordingly. Consider the ethical implications of AI, such as bias in AI-generated content and the impact on creativity and originality while highlighting the real-world applications and limitations of generative AI to prepare students for its use in their professional lives.

Additional Penn State Resources

General GenAI Resources

  • Penn State AI Hub. Funded by Penn State’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, the AI Hub is a forum for promoting AI-related activities to inform multiple audiences about this work, energizing organization across our University community.
  • Penn State AI Guidelines. This high-level guidance was prepared by a university working group. It includes information related to accessibility considerations and AI tools and platforms and emphasizes the importance of data levels in decision-making.
  • Generative AI: ChatGPT and Beyond. LibGuide from University Libraries that addresses the various artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that use deep learning techniques and massively large data sets to understand, summarize, generate and predict new content.
  • Penn State Library Guide: Hidden Layer ~ Intellectual Privacy and Generative AI. LibGuide from University Libraries that explores generative AI and its implications for intellectual privacy, intellectual property, and human agency.

GenAI Guidance for Faculty

GenAI Student Resources

  • Penn State AI Literacy Modules. Modules that faculty can import into Canvas and that are intended to provide critical information to students regarding the appropriate use of generative artificial intelligence in their classes.
  • AI Literacy Credo Module. University Libraries module on information literacy that is designed to give students a foundation in information literacy & critical thinking. It can be embedded inside your Canvas course. Basic instructions for adding this content can be found here.

Sources: OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4o) [Large language model].