Skip to Main Content

Generative AI

This guide will help you gain basic information about generative artificial intelligence (AI), if considering using AI in your academic work.

Welcome to the Generative AI LibGuide!

   This image was created using ChatGPT.                                

Welcome to the Generative AI LibGuide!

This guide is intended to serve as an overview for students, professors, and researchers when evaluating Generative AI for the purpose of incorporating tools into their work.

Generative artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing how we find, create, and share information. AI tools are evolving quickly with new details emerging daily regarding their use, regulation, and societal impact.  

While efforts will be made to maintain the relevance and currency of this guide, it's important to acknowledge that the information contained within may become outdated before we can update it. 

The Mt SAC Library does not endorse any specific AI technologies, and advises students to exercise discretion regarding the disclosure of personal information while using such tools. 

What is Generative AI?

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to a class of AI technologies designed to create and generate a wide range of content. These systems use algorithms and machine learning models to produce text, images, videos, audio, and other forms of data. Some of the most recognizable generative AI tools are the text generators ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Copilot and the image generators Midjourney and DALL-E.

Check out the video below for a concise introduction into the world of generative AI!

 

Generative AI explained in 2 Minutes, created by K-1 Campus, licensed by CC BY NC 4.0

Types of Tools

There are different types of generative AI tools that generate various forms of content including text, images, audio, and video. 

Text

  • AI text generators are among the most widely used AI tools. They are trained on massive amounts of text data in an effort to mimic human communication. The generate new content based on user prompts by combining and rearranging words and phrases. Text generators can be used to brainstorm ideas, complete sentences, and suggest edits in writing.

Getting Started: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Notion AI

Image

  • AI image generators has also grown in popularity and become more sophisticated. They work by using advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to transform text prompts into visual content. Image generators are trained on vast datasets of images to learn patterns that allow them to create visuals matching a given description. Basically, if you can describe it, these tools can generate a version of it.

Getting Started: DALL-E, ClipDrop, Midjourney

Audio

  • Although not as advanced as their text and image counterparts, generative AI audio tools are quickly evolving. These models use machine learning (ML) algorithms to create new audio based on existing data. They can be used to create new audio and remix or edit existing content. These tools generally fall into three categories
    • Speech-to-text: Converts spoken words into text
    • Text-to-speech: Generates speech from text
    • Sound creation:  Produces original sounds based on prompts

Getting Started: AudioCraft, Voicebox, Soundful

Video

  • AI video generators are a newer and still developing category of generative AI tools. They can create video content from text prompts, images, and/or scripts using advanced machine learning (ML) models.

Getting Started: Pika, RunwayML, Kapwing