Generative AI is an incredibly powerful tool across many fields and disciplines. McMaster University has taken steps to understand this technology and consider the impact it may have on students, instructors, and staff. Generative AI is a rapidly evolving technology that has implications for everyday life – including the ways we learn and teach.
In this section, you can discover the potential of generative AI by accessing resources that provide introductory overviews about AI and information about how it can be used in various contexts. If you are unfamiliar with AI or just looking to learn more, this is the best place to start!
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that uses machine learning to generate new content by analyzing and processing vast amounts of data from diverse sources. Generative AI tools can generate text, images, video, sound, and code.
Different tools are trained on different datasets and with different training methods. The generated responses of these tools are probabilistic, which can result in errors in responses.
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Guidebook Learn More
This Guidebook provides helpful information for educators to better understand the various aspects of how Generative AI may apply to the teaching and learning space. Educators will learn about the general limitations and risks, contexts for McMaster University, using AI as an instructor, student perceptions, opportunities for student usage, and guidance on redesigning assessments and other approaches.
AI Dialogues Podcast Learn More
This podcast delves into the ethical and practical questions of generative AI for the McMaster campus community, bridging the gap between knowledgeable educators, students, and practitioners and those less familiar with AI technology. Each episode explores the complexities of AI, its potential for innovation, and the challenges it poses.
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Introduction to Generative AI for Educators Learn More
This online module aims to provide an understanding of generative AI to help educators think through how these technologies intersect with teaching practices. Whether you have reservations or enthusiasm about AI in education, this learning module offers a space for exploration and thoughtful consideration.
Copilot Learn More
Copilot is a generative AI chat assistant. McMaster faculty and staff can leverage Copilot for various tasks including searching for relevant information on the web, generating content, rewriting/improving/optimizing existing content, and creating images based on your descriptions.
Scite Learn More
Scite is a feature-rich AI-powered assistant that can help you investigate research questions by finding and evaluating relevant literature. McMaster students, faculty, and staff have full access to scite with a valid MacID.