Generative AI

Common Sense Media simply defines Artificial Intelligence (AI) as “a computer program or app that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.”

(Common Sense Media. What is AI?)

Generative AI is an application of artificial intelligence that creates new text, images, audio, video, and code based on information that it has been pre-trained on. (AI for Education. Generative AI Explainer.)

This powerful tool can be used responsibly and productively to support teaching and learning. As with any online resource, it is important to consider age-appropriate use, taking note of the terms of service for the particular resource your child is interested in using.

Artificial intelligence is trained on real-world data that people have given it, and if that data contains biases (or is incomplete), the AI can end up being biased, too.

At times, generative AI will perceive patterns or “fill in” information that is inaccurate, nonsensical, or false, resulting in the sharing of misinformation. A term sometimes used for this phenomenon is hallucination.

Common Sense explains, “AI can only learn from its source(s), so it takes on the biases, misinformation, and problematic content of the original material. And if the team of developers isn’t representative, it’s almost guaranteed that implicit bias will be woven into the framework of the tool.” An example of this can be found in a study of facial recognitionpublished by Harvard in 2020. In addition, not all AI bots are gathering current information. For example, asking ChatGPT 3.5 who will perform at the 2023 Super Bowl will generate a response that says, “As of my last update in early 2022, I don’t have information on the specific performers for the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show.”

Being aware of these potentials for misinformation and the need to fact checking and verification is an important aspect of digital citizenship that should be understood before utilizing the resources.

(Common Sense Education, Understanding AI Bias)

Generative AI is not a replacement for student creation or writing. It is a tool to enhance or support learning.

While application of this technology will evolve over time, as a tool for learning, generative AI might be used as a personalized tutor, explaining concepts and answering questions in real time, as an editor, giving feedback on submitted writing, or a thought partner, brainstorming ideas to begin a project or paper. Generative AI should not be used to create an assignment submission entirely or as a credible primary source of information without fact-checking and verification.

As with any tool used online, it is the responsibility of the user to understand the appropriateness, benefits, and limitations of use. Students in WJCC are responsible for using generative AI tools with their teacher’s permission and within the parameters of an assignment, with honesty in how they are utilizing the resource, and with an inquisitive approach, reviewing all output before using as part of an assignment.

Remember that any information input into generative AI is used as part of future machine learning and is not private. Do not include personal information in generative AI prompts.

Evaluate the initial output to see if it meets the intended purpose and your needs.

Verify facts, figures, quotes, and data using reliable sources to ensure there are no hallucinations or bias.

Edit your prompt and ask follow up questions to have the AI improve its output.

Revise the results to reflect your unique needs, style, and/or tone. AI output is a great starting point, but should be a final product.

You are responsible for everything you create with AI. Always be transparent about how you’ve used these tools.

• Helping Kids Navigate the World of Artificial Intelligence
• Teen and Young Adult Perspectives on Generative AI: Patterns of Use, Excitement, and Concerns
• Flow Chart: Student Guide for AI Use
• Guide to ChatGPT for Parents and Caregivers