There are numerous ways in which text-based generative AI models can assist you in your studies. Go through the following tabs to explore a few examples of how you could use GenAI during your studies. Please note that this is just a small sample of the many possibilities that exist. Moreover, some of the examples below can be combined to form new applications. In all cases, it is important to describe to the AI tool:
Please note: Before using GenAI for an assignment, always check with your course instructor about what is and isn’t allowed! Unauthorized or insufficiently attributed use of GenAI is considered fraud, as stated in the UG-wide policy document for the use of AI in Teaching.
For more information on how to write effective prompts when using GenAI in any of the below ways, visit this website.
There are AI tools that can transcribe spoken text into written text, and vice versa. You can, for example, use these tools when you conduct interviews and have to process the gathered information. In this case, the use of such an AI tool that can automatically transcribe the spoken text into written form can save you quite some time. Alternatively, you may use AI tools to translate interviews into another language.
GenAI can generate alternative ways of expressing an idea. Enter the same prompt several times to examine alternative responses. You can then reflect on these different alternatives.
When there is a lot of text to read, for example when conducting a literature analysis, you can use an AI tool to summarize the different texts to be able to quickly scan which parts are relevant to read in more detail and which are not. Do bear in mind, however, that these responses may contain inaccuracies or hallucinations, so always approach these summaries with caution and a critical eye!
When you need to conduct a literature search and are unsure which search terms to use, GenAI can help you generate search terms when you describe the topic to it.
When you learn to write computer code, you may struggle with writing syntax, defining variables, and implementing functions and loops correctly. Certain AI tools, for example ChatGPT, are trained in a variety of programming languages. Such an AI tool can quickly debug code, offer suggestions for improvement, and provide feedback. In this way, you receive quick feedback and the AI tools aid you in your learning process.
GenAI can act as an opponent to develop an argument. You can enter prompts into a GenAI model following the structure of a conversation or debate. This can help you to challenge and further sharpen your argument.
GenAI can guide you through a complex task by providing instructions and taking you through these instructions, one step at a time.
AI can help you reflect on learning material or explain new concepts. You can describe your current level of understanding to the GenAI and ask for ways to help you study the material. The tool can also be used to help you prepare for other tasks such as job interviews.
AI offers games and challenges to extend learning. You can ask the GenAI tool for ideas about how to extend your learning after providing a summary of the current level of knowledge (e.g. quizzes, exercises).
You can use diverse GenAI tools to shape your exam preparation process. For example, you can ask GenAI to generate mock questions or quizzes.
The following diagram might offer some inspiration on how to use text-based generative AI during the research process: