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Artificial Intelligence (AI): Overview of AI

What is AI?

A computer with a chat-bot on the screen.

Fig 1. Image generated using Microsoft Edge's Copilot, powered by DALL·E from the prompt "a computer with a chatbot on the screen".

Welcome to UWA Library's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guide, where you will be taken on a on a journey to help you develop your AI literacy skills. What is AI? This is what Chat GPT had to say:

" Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that encompasses various technologies aimed at enabling machines to simulate human intelligence. It has profound implications across disciplines, influencing everything from healthcare to finance, and from transportation to entertainment. "

ChatGPT (2024), OpenAI. Accessed June 25, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://chat.openai.com/

Overview

History: Artificial Intelligence is not a new concept. Modern AI has been around since the 1950’s. In this century alone we have witnessed the emergence of robot vacuum cleaners, Apple’s SIRI, Microsoft’s Cortana, self driving vehicles and don’t forget IBM’s Watson. For more information on the history and developments of AI, have a look at this webpage developed by the University of Queensland.

 

Generative AI (Gen AI): is a relatively new AI concept and refers to deep-learning models that can generate high-quality text, images, and other content based on the data they were trained on (IBM Research, 2023). Gen AI tools are distinct from other forms of AI, in that, their primary purpose is to create content (Demirdag, 2023). Please note that this Guide will focus on information relating to Gen AI tools.  

Using Generative AI

This guide aims to help you use Gen AI to support your research and academic work, rather than use Gen AI to do the work for you. Within the guide you will learn more about Gen AI tools and how they can be used effectively in your work.  We have also provided information on prompting, to help you produce the best outputs for your situation.  You will also find information on evaluating Gen AI tools and outputs, ethical considerations, using AI in your research and advice on referencing.

If you choose to use Gen AI, remember it is important to:

  • Maintain academic integrity.
  • Abide by university policies.
  • Reference any use of Gen AI.
     

If you are a Coursework student, follow the guidelines set by your Unit Coordinator provided in the unit outline and only use AI as instructed. If you are conducting research, always consult guidelines for individual funders before commencing your application or review.

Please note: Use of any AI tools, is entirely at the discretion of the user. You are also advised to evaluate any tools and output you want to use critically. Please have a look at our Evaluating Gen AI tab for more information. If you do opt to use a Gen AI tool, it’s important to formally reference any use of AI. For information on how to reference AI outputs using the other referencing styles, please have a look at the Referencing AI Tools and Outputs tab of this Guide. Overall, any usage should be approached with careful consideration and used responsibly.  

AI Explained

Watch this informative video ‘AI Explained: It’s maths, not magic (a simple guide)’ by the CSIRO:

 

CONTENT LICENCE

 Except for logos, Canva designs, AI generated images or where otherwise indicated, content in this guide is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence.