Generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools use machine learning models to create new, human-realistic content in response to a prompt. The tools are readily available to everyone, including students, and just as previous educational technologies have done, AI tools are changing educational, learning, and knowledge practices. Given a carefully worded prompt, these tools can compare texts, mimic critical thinking, and generate content that reads like a personal narrative (Mills, 2023). Generative AI can also create computer code, build presentations, mimic human voices, and create realistic looking videos (Mollick, 2024). 

These are some of the major AI tools available: 

• ChatGPT – Open AI
• Copilot – Microsoft
• Claude – Anthropic
• Perplexity AI – Perplexity AI
• Gemini – Google

In addition to these major models there are numerous other more specific AI applications. You can use the “There is an AI for That” and Futurepedia websites to explore possibilities.  

If you would like to learn more about how generative AI tools work many folks recommend reading Large Language Models Explained, with a minimum of math and jargon by Timothy B. Lee and Sean Trott (July 27, 2023). 

For a higher education focused crash course consider watching the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Practical AI for Instructors and Students video series which was published in August, 2023.