Generative AI: A Student's Guide

Learn what ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot and similar tools are good for and see examples of how to use them.

Writing effective prompts is key to making GenAI tools work well. Remember, even with well-written prompts, you'll always need to verify information, because AI tools will sometimes make things up while sounding very confident.

GenAI can be good for:

• Studying
• Writing and editing
• Preparing for a literature search
• Summarizing research

GenAI is not so good for:

• Library research or comprehensive literature reviews. For now, it's best to use Library search, Library databases, PubMed or Google Scholar to find verified sources, and ask a librarian for help with refined search strategies.
• Asking for any information that would have dire consequences if it was incorrect (such as direct patient care questions or financial and legal advice).

What is prompting? Simply, it's what you type into the chat box. The way you prompt makes a huge difference in the output that GenAI tools give you. It's important to remember that 1) they need very specific instructions, and 2) you need to verify the information produced from your prompts.

Use the CLEAR framework. You can make the most effective, efficient use of GenAI tools by writing prompts using the CLEAR (Concise, Logical, Explicit Adaptive, Reflective) framework:

• Concise: Be specific, and remove unnecessary information.
• Logical: Structure your prompt in a logical sequence and give it context and framing.
• Explicit: Give it very detailed instructions, including what role it should play, how you would like the results formatted and what audience you are addressing.
• Adaptive: Be flexible and try new approaches based on the performance of the tool; you may not get the response you want on the first try.
• Reflective: Evaluate your prompts and the responses of the GenAI tools you are using; apply what you learn to future prompts.

Follow proven tips for writing effective prompts. Useful resources for crafting good prompts, also known as prompt engineering:

GenAI tools can enhance your study process by creating flashcards, simulated patient cases, and quiz questions. Be sure to fact-check the information provided. Experts at the OHSU Academic Success Center can help you explore how to use AI tools effectively for your study needs.

GenAI tools can assist you in the planning and drafting stages of your academic work. They can help you draft outlines for your paper or presentation, get style or grammar suggestions or brainstorm ideas for improving readability. Remember, these tools might make mistakes, misinterpret context, or offer unsuitable suggestions, so you should review their suggestions critically. Get expert assistance from the Writing Lab in the OHSU Academic Success Center or consider getting feedback from peers or instructors.

GenAI tools can assist you in searching the literature by suggesting search terms and strategies. They may not always create the best or most comprehensive search strategies, so consult a librarian to get expert help refining search strategies, selecting databases, and ensuring you cover the full scope of literature.

GenAI tools can summarize research articles and other materials, making it easier to grasp key ideas and save time in reviewing literature, preparing for exams, or writing literature reviews. However, it's important to cross-check these summaries with the original source to ensure they accurately reflect the authors' intent and capture the nuances of the content.