M2_AI_as_Partner

[Audio] Welcome to Module 2. You've mastered information evaluation. Now let's meet AI—your new academic helper. Think of AI like a research assistant. It can brainstorm, explain concepts, draft outlines, and organize notes. But here's the key: you stay in control. AI suggests; you decide. AI drafts; you refine. AI is a tool, not a replacement. In this module, you'll learn how AI works, what it can and can't do, and how to use it responsibly. Let's begin..

[Audio] Here's what you'll learn. First, you'll understand how AI actually works—it's pattern matching, not thinking. Second, you'll know the major tools: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Notion AI, and others. Third, you'll recognize hallucinations and bias. Fourth, you'll learn when to use AI and when to use other tools. Fifth, you'll understand how to use AI responsibly. These five skills make you an effective, ethical AI user..

[Audio] Here's the truth about AI. It doesn't think. It matches patterns. AI learned from billions of words and finds patterns—what words usually follow other words. It's incredibly good at this, which is why it sounds fluent and natural. But fluent doesn't mean correct. AI can confidently say wrong things. It sounds certain even when uncertain. This is crucial: never assume AI is right just because it sounds confident. Always verify. Always think critically. AI is a starting point, not an endpoint..

[Audio] AI has a knowledge cutoff. ChatGPT was trained on data up to April 2024. It doesn't know what happened after that. It can't browse the internet in real time. So if you ask about recent events, recent research, or current statistics, it might give you outdated information. This is why you verify. This is why you use tools like Perplexity that can search current information. Understanding AI's limitations helps you use it effectively. It's not a weakness; it's just reality..

[Audio] AI and search engines are different. Google gives you links to sources. You read the sources. AI generates text based on patterns. You get answers without links. Both have uses. Need to find primary sources? Use Google Scholar. Need a quick explanation? Use AI. Need current information? Use Perplexity, which searches the web. Need to brainstorm ideas? Use ChatGPT. The key is matching the tool to your task. Different tools for different jobs..

[Audio] ChatGPT excels at explanation, drafting, and tutoring. Don't understand a concept? Ask ChatGPT to explain it simply. Need an outline for your essay? ChatGPT can draft one. Want to quiz yourself? ChatGPT can generate questions. These are ChatGPT's sweet spots. It's less good at current facts, specific citations, and specialized knowledge. Use it for what it's good at. Don't expect it to be perfect at everything. No tool is..

[Audio] Perplexity AI searches the web and gives you answers with citations. Perfect for current research. Scholarcy summarizes academic papers and extracts key findings. Perfect for reading efficiency. But remember: these are starting points. Use them to understand topics, find sources, and get oriented. Then read the actual sources. Use AI to start your research, not to replace it. AI helps you work smarter, not to avoid work..

[Audio] Notion AI helps organize information. Paste your notes, and it summarizes them. Ask it to group ideas by theme. Ask it to create outlines. But here's the key: you do the synthesis. AI organizes; you think. AI suggests connections; you evaluate them. AI is a organizing assistant, not a thinking replacement. Use it to handle the mechanical parts of organization so you can focus on understanding..

[Audio] Here are AI's best uses. Brainstorm: stuck on essay ideas? Ask AI for ten options. Create outlines: need structure? AI can draft one. Self-quiz: want to test your knowledge? AI can generate questions. Explain concepts: don't understand something? Ask AI. These uses support your learning. They don't replace thinking. They support thinking. Use AI this way, and you'll improve your work and your learning..

[Audio] AI has real limits. It gives generic answers because it's trained on average patterns. It can't know your specific context. AI can reflect bias from its training data—society's biases become AI's biases. AI can't verify facts in real time. It generates plausible-sounding text, which might be wrong. These aren't bugs; they're features of how AI works. Knowing these limits helps you use AI wisely. You compensate for them by thinking critically and verifying..

[Audio] Here's your responsibility. Use AI to assist, not replace your thinking. If you submit AI-generated work as your own, that's plagiarism. Cite AI use if your professor requires it. Most importantly, verify. Check facts. Cross-reference claims. Think critically about what AI gives you. You're the expert on your work. AI is the helper. Keep that relationship clear..

[Audio] Before you submit work using AI, ask three questions. First: Is this ethical? Did I follow my professor's guidelines? Second: Did I verify the facts? Third: Am I learning, or am I avoiding work? If you can answer yes to all three, you're using AI well. If not, adjust. These three questions guide responsible AI use..

[Audio] Remember: AI is a helper. It can do amazing things, but it's not perfect. You stay in control. You verify. You think critically. In Module 3, we'll learn how to get better results from AI. You'll master prompt engineering—the art of asking AI the right questions. Better questions get better answers. See you there..

[Audio] Try these tools yourself. Sign up for ChatGPT. Explore Perplexity. See how they work. Read your syllabus to understand your professor's AI policy. In Module 3, we'll dive deep into prompt engineering. You'll learn how to ask AI questions that get you better answers. You'll become a power user. See you there..