What is Generative AI
What is Generative AI?
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) refers to AI models that can generate text, images, or other media, using predictive modeling. GenAI models are initially trained on large datasets. They use predictive algorithms to generate new content that mimics the structure and style of the training data. Text models learn linguistic patterns, image models learn visual features, and audio/video models learn both special and temporal dynamics to produce outputs. To learn more about the process, see visual explanation here: This is how it works
Try it for Yourself
Engaging in exploration of Generative AI tools allows educators to better understand the user experience, potential challenges, and creative possibilities. This firsthand experience enables faculty to provide more informed guidance to students. We invite you to explore more than one of these popular text-based tools to fully understand their potential ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity.
View specific tool details on our UHD Faculty Generative AI Libguide
ChatGPT | Quick Tour
Google Gemini | Quick Tour
Copilot | Quick Tour
Perplexity | Quick Tour
Copilot in Action: See What’s Possible
Explore example prompts you can copy & paste into Microsoft Copilot.
How to use this prompt:
- Select (highlight) the entire prompt.
- Copy it using Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac).
- Select Launch Copilot below.
- Paste the prompt into the Copilot chat box.
Course Planning (First-Time Course Prep)
Scenario
A sociology professor preparing a new elective.
Initial Prompt
I’m teaching a new undergraduate sociology elective on social inequality. Draft a short course description for the syllabus that explains the purpose of the course and the main topics we’ll cover.
Weekly Lesson Planning (MidSemester Adjustment)
Scenario
A biology professor reworking a busy week.
Initial Prompt
I’m planning a one week module on photosynthesis for an introductory biology course. Create a simple outline with a short overview, a few learning activities, and a way to check student understanding.
Assignment Design (Clarifying Student Expectations)
Scenario
An English professor revising unclear instructions.
Initial Prompt
Help me rewrite instructions for a short reflective writing assignment so they are clear and student friendly. The reflection is about a course reading, not a research paper.
Providing Feedback (Early Draft Review)
Scenario
A history professor responding to student drafts.
Initial Prompt
Write examples of formative feedback I could give a student on a first draft of a history essay, focusing on argument and use of evidence rather than grammar.
Student Communication (Managing Expectations)
Scenario
A faculty member addressing class-wide concerns.
Initial Prompt
Rewrite this announcement to students explaining a change to the due date. Keep the tone supportive and professional and make it easy to understand.
Faculty Service Work (Meeting FollowUp)
Scenario
A department committee chair organizing next steps.
Initial Prompt
Summarize these department meeting notes and organize them into action items, decisions made, and topics that need follow up.
Research Framing / Conceptual Clarification
Scenario
A faculty researcher preparing a grant proposal.
Initial Prompt
I’m preparing a grant proposal related to sustainable materials in mechanical engineering. Help me summarize common research approaches and performance considerations discussed in this area.