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AI Library Workshop: Intro

This workshop is for students or anyone who wants to learn to use Gen AI ethically, effectively, and responsibly.

Welcome

Welcome to this self-guided tour of Gen AI. Read content, watch videos, and engage with activities. Then take the final quiz to earn a certificate.

AI Library Workshop PowerPoint

1 - Watch Introductory Video


Don’t be ignorant of likely the biggest technological revolution of your lifetime. However, don't buy into "AI Hype" either. Have you heard this statement, "AI won’t steal your job but someone who knows how to use AI may." Do you think it is true or not?

Background: The field of artificial intelligence (AI) was born in 1956, but the release of ChatGPT in November 2022 popularized its use, especially the use of a subcategory known as generative AI (Gen AI or GAI). Because Gen AI tools are flooding our daily lives, it is important that everyone, especially students, learn how to use this technology ethically, effectively, and responsibly. 

Examples: Without realizing it, you have been using (or being used by) AI for years, for example:

  • FaceID on phones
  • Personalized feeds (Instagram videos or Amazon product recommendations)
  • Real-time traffic or weather conditions
  • Voice assistants like Siri or Alexa
  • Google Translate

Whatever, your future workplace, it is likely you will be using some Gen AI tools, which are being produced at a mind-blowing speed by big and small tech companies and integrated into products from Amazon to Google to automated call centers.

  • Example: Try a Google search now for "examples of Generative AI Tools in the workplace" and see the first result at the top which is an "AI Overview." If one is available it is marked with this symbol. AI Overview symbol

CUNY AI Success Playbook's ProTips for Students

  1. Think Critically about AI – AI is a powerful assistant, but not always accurate. Cross-check information and refine AI outputs with your own insights. 
  2. Use AI to Boost (Not Replace) Learning – Leverage ChatGPT for brainstorming, summarizing, and tutoring, but ensure your voice and analysis remain central.
  3. Build AI-Resilient Skills – Creativity, ethical judgment, and problem-solving are skills AI can’t replace—focus on strengthening them.
  4. Stay Ahead of AI Trends – Explore AI-focused courses and industry tools through the AI-ONE portal.

Check out the entire CUNY AI Academic Hub

5 - Workshop Goals & Attribution

AI Library Workshop Goals, Engage Students to:

1) Practice transparency in any AI usage and know 3 Gen AI usages that may be okay for CUNY students.

2) Explain the technology of Gen AI and how it differs from Google & Library Databases.

3) Recognize and minimize three potential risks inherent in Gen AI outputs.

4) Create meaningful prompts in a Gen AI tool.

“AI Library Workshop”
Jana M. Porter
Creative Commons License logo CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
 

6 - Review: What Did You Learn?

Review Questions

1)  What is one reason to know the basics of Gen AI?

2)  What are three common uses of AI in our everyday lives?

3)  What are the things that AI can and can't do (See video)?