How can you as a student benefit from generative AI tools?

You can use generative AI tools to get help with your studies in different ways, provided you do it with knowledge and consideration. An important starting point when considering using any text generative AI tool is that you always need to have sufficient subject matter knowledge to determine whether what is written in the generated text is relevant. Compare against other sources and do not trust that what is true in the text is true. Conveying true facts is not generative AI's strength. There is also a big difference in the quality of output between different AI services. For example, using a service that is connected to the internet or uploading files with material that you know contain correct facts and then working on it is better and reduces the risk of inaccuracies. 

Here are some examples of how generative AI can help:

• A personal study coach who never tires of your questions, you can ask whatever you want, whenever you want. Think of the AI tool as an extra teacher and ask questions the same way you would the teacher. Why is that? How is it connected? How does this work?
• Explanations based on your needs, in many different ways. Everyone learns in different ways and with the help of AI, you can get explanations adapted to how you learn. For example, ask them to describe something in simpler language, or make a bulleted list of the most important things to know.
• Correct texts. AI tools can help you correct spelling and grammar in your texts, but always ask for explanations as to why it corrects in a certain way, so you can learn and develop into a better writer. Keep in mind that it's not always okay to use AI tools in this way. If the task is to assess how good you are at writing in Swedish, you cannot, of course, ask AI to make any changes to your texts. If you are unsure whether it is appropriate, consult with your teacher or supervisor.
• Feedback on text structures, with explanations. Get feedback on the structure of your text, with explanations and suggestions.
• Example of genre (text type). Get as many examples of a particular text type as you want. How do you write academically, how do you write briefly for a poster, how do you write an instructional text aimed at children?
• Ideas and inspiration if you have writer's block. Let AI give you a kick in the butt to get you started - but keep in mind that what you submit or present should be your own work.
• Practice written and oral skills, such as arguing or reasoning. Ask the AI tool to debate against you or ask it to ask questions about things you need to develop.
• Translations into many different languages. Do you need something translated or maybe you have a different mother tongue? AI language models are good at translations.
• Extra training before exams and examinations - study questions, or being interrogated. You can input text or upload files and get questions based on the specific material, or get more general questions. Prompt the AI to act like a coach and not to give you the answers but to help you learn.
• Time planning, planning study plans. Use AI tools to plan your studies. 

As a student at Mid Sweden University, you have access to Microsoft Copilot via your student account. You can access it when you are logged in with your miun account in the browser Edge or when you log in to https://copilot.microsoft.com/ There are a plethora of different AI tools and many are good at specific tasks, or can be selected for different modes. For example, in some internet-connected tools, you can choose a mode that only provides scientific search results. You can also, for example, find tools where you can get help to structure and break down how to study for an exam, or discuss specific topics without getting ready-made answers without more help to move forward in your own reasoning. A lot depends on how you prompt, i.e. what instructions you give the tool. Success factors are to be clear, specific, provide context, ask follow-up questions and develop, use keywords and, above all, to test your way forward. Imagine you're having a conversation with the AI tool. Here you can get more tips on how to prompt for better results. When using AI tools, it is important to remember not to give out personal data and to be aware of the risks involved. for example, bias, which exists. 

The University of Michigan library has a page with great information on how you can use generative AI services to support both literature search and study. Keep in mind that all the tips on the page may not be applicable to your studies at Mid Sweden University.