By Debbie Beaudry, Director of Academic Technology
If you're curious about artificial intelligence but don't know where to start, you're in the right place. We'll be your guide, demystifying AI and exploring its many practical applications, whether you want to use these powerful tools or learn more.
What is AI?
AI enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. You’ve probably used AI without realizing it—like when your streaming service recommends shows, your shopping site suggests products, or your phone predicts text as you type.
What Makes AI Different Now?
AI has been around for years, but in November 2022, OpenAI made ChatGPT widely available. This marked a shift because ChatGPT is a generative AI tool—it doesn’t just analyze data; it creates new content based on what you input.
The Basics of Prompts
Interacting with generative AI tools like ChatGPT involves entering prompts (questions or instructions) and receiving responses (the AI’s generated output).
Types of Basic Prompts
- Question Prompt – Ask a question, and the AI provides an answer (e.g., What causes lightning?).
- Instruction Prompt – Give a command, and the AI performs a task (e.g., Create a 45-minute lesson plan on climate change).
Watch this 90-second video to see this in action.
A short video guiding viewers through basic generative AI prompts
How AI Works
AI tools are trained on vast amounts of information from the internet. Using complex algorithms, they predict and generate responses that mimic human conversation. These tools belong to a category called large language models (LLMs). Watch our 90-second explainer video for more info.
A brief explainer about Generative AI
What AI Can Do
Generative AI tools can:
- Assist with writing (clarify, summarize, or generate content)
- Spark ideas
- Explain topics or serve as a tutor
- Summarize articles, videos, or audio
- Help shift focus from routine tasks to higher-level thinking
AI Concerns & Limitations
Image created with Google Gemini AI, February 16, 2024. Prompt: List of concerns and limitations of AI
While AI is a powerful tool with many benefits, it also comes with challenges and ethical concerns. Understanding these can help you use AI responsibly. Here are some key issues to keep in mind:
- Data Privacy – Be cautious about sharing personal or proprietary information; some AI models may use inputs for further training.
- Inaccuracy (Hallucinations) – AI sometimes generates incorrect or misleading information that sounds plausible.
- Biases – Since AI learns from internet data, it can reflect existing biases.
- Ethical Issues – AI tools are trained on content scraped from the web, often without permission from creators. Lawsuits regarding copyright violations are ongoing.
- Accessibility - Not all AI tools are built to be accessible for people with disabilities.
- Environmental Impact – AI models require vast computing power and consume significant electricity and water.
- Human Labor – AI moderation sometimes relies on underpaid workers who review harmful content, sometimes at personal cost.
Which AI Tool to Try?
Since ChatGPT’s release, many other generative AI text tools have emerged. Most offer free versions but also have paid upgrades for more advanced features. Here are some popular options:
Where to Start
The best way to understand AI is to try it yourself. Start with a free version of one of these tools and ask a few basic questions. Remember: Do not enter personal or sensitive information.
Generative AI is a powerful tool—but like any technology, it has strengths and risks. The key is using it wisely and responsibly.
AI transparency statement
My first step was to write the piece in a Google Doc without the use of generative AI. I then entered into ChatGPT the prompt “I'm writing a blog post about the basics of generative AI. The audience is adults who are non-technical. The writing style should be clear and casual. Here is a rough draft. Could you please make the text clearer, more concise, and organized?” I then pasted into ChatGPT the text of my draft. When ChatGPT came back with a response, I pasted the ChatGPT version back into a Google Doc and I revised it. The AI had made some of my text too concise so important meaning was lost. I also made small edits because some of the language didn’t feel like mine. The final version was reviewed by humans on our team who provided feedback.
Disclaimer: The applications and their respective companies shared in this article have not been vetted or endorsed by Teachers College. Teachers College does not assume any responsibility for the accessibility, privacy, or security of these applications. The usage of these applications is at the sole discretion of the user, and Teachers College disclaims any legal liability associated with their usage. It is the responsibility of the users to conduct their own research and adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and best practices when incorporating these applications into their educational activities.