Definitions
The select definitions below are from the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Terms Glossary.
AI (artificial intelligence)
AI stands for artificial intelligence, which is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines or computer systems. AI can mimic human capabilities such as communication, learning, and decision-making.
Algorithm
An algorithm is a sequence of rules given to an AI machine to perform a task or solve a problem. Common algorithms include classification, regression, and clustering.
Data mining
Data mining is the process of sorting through large data sets to identify patterns that can improve models or solve problems.
Generative AI
Generative AI is s type of technology that uses AI to create content, including text, video, code and images. A generative AI system is trained using large amounts of data, so that it can find patterns for generating new content.
Hallucination
Hallucination refers to an incorrect response from an AI system, or false information in an output that is presented as factual information.
How Text-based AI Models Work
ChatGPT is based off hundreds of billions of words (570GB of text) that were taken from books, articles, websites, media transcripts, and social media. It uses complex algorithms known as "transformers" to place words in order in response to a prompt. The transformers are similar to rules that structure written and spoken languages. Each model understands and generates human-like answers to text prompts and can interact or "chat" with people.
As prompts are typed into an AI interface, words from the query are identified and converted to numerical "tokens" that are in turn passed through a pre-trained model to anticipate the next word in a sequence of words. When you submit your prompt, ChatGPT returns related information based the unique words that it has identified.
Writing practices have been influenced by digital tools that are embedded everywhere (Grammarly, autocomplete features, online translators, etc.). As the use of AI tools become more prevalent, it will be important to consider when and how to use them to enhance learning and when to limit their use. This is a transformational opportunity for educators to incorporate AI tools and pedagogy; to prepare students to use them ethically, judiciously, and critically; and to expand the notion of digital literacy to include such tools.
General AI Model Diagram
