AI Tools
💡 Core Idea: AI tools change quickly. Focus on what they do to decide which one to use.
In this learning module, you will learn how to:
- Identify different types of AI tools
- Recognize their strengths and limitations
- Use them responsibly and transparently
What can AI tools do?
AI tools can act as:
- Collaborators — brainstorming ideas
- Guides — suggesting next steps
- Synthesizers — organizing information
They can help you:
- Generate topic ideas
- Identify conversations in a field
- Clarify complex information
- Notice patterns or gaps
What AI cannot do for you
- Make decisions for you
- Learn for you
- Determine what's true
- Connect you to the people who are important in understanding the topic
- Engage the emotional, spiritual, and human elements that go into an effective research process
How do I overcome the biases inherent in me and AI?
Both you and AI bring assumptions and blindspots to the research process. AI may sound confident—but confidence ≠accuracy.
To work critically:
- Pause when something sparks a strong emotional reaction in you
- Ask: What might be missing?
- Look intentionally for other perspectives
- Verify with additional sources
What tools are available for my research and how do I choose which one to use?
New tools will constantly be added to the way we seek out information. Before you begin using a tool, take a minute to understand its purposes and limitations. Generative AI tools fall into categories like these:
Brainstorming Tools
Chat-based tools, like
- Claude AI
- Policies and Privacy: https://www.anthropic.com/policy
- Google Gemini
- Policies and Privacy: https://support.google.com/gemini/answer/13594961?hl=en
- ChatGPT
- Policies and Privacy: https://openai.com/policies/
Search and Source Tools
Tools that connect to research or summarize studies
- Microsoft CoPilot Chat (Note: Login using your BYU account)
- Policies and Privacy: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy
- Consensus
- Policies and Privacy: https://consensus.app/home/privacy-policy/
Synthesis Tools
Tools that organize or summarize your sources
- Microsoft CoPilot (BYU) (Note: Login using your BYU account)
- Policies and Privacy: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot/microsoft-365-copilot-privacy
- Gemini Notebook
- Policies and Privacy: https://support.google.com/notebooklm/answer/17004255?hl=en
Before using any tool, ask:
- What is this tool designed to do?
- What are its limits?
- Does it fit my current task?
Use the right tool for the right moment.
What are the ethical and moral considerations I should be aware of when using AI?
AI has an impact in a variety of areas. There are environmental and community considerations in how AI impacts economic and natural resources. There are also concerns about content creators and their work being absorbed into an AI product without permission or credit. Knowing the source of the material produced by AI and giving attribution to the author are important skills to incorporate in your research process.
As you research, you might also come across AI-generated texts or images that are inaccurate or misleading. Make sure you analyze your sources and understand the purposes behind them. Find trustworthy corroborating sources or throw the information out.
Finally, there are your own moral and ethical values to consider. Keep your use of AI aligned with your personal values, and be transparent in how you are using AI to maintain trust with your readers.
- Verify information
- Use sources thoughtfully
- Be transparent about your use
Reflection: Consider your responsibility in the research process. What might you be giving up or gaining by using AI? Create a research plan that reflects your wise use of AI tools.