Welcome to our introductory guide to Generative AI. This page is designed to provide a foundational understanding of this rapidly evolving technology for all members of the CJBS Operations team. We have organized the information into four key sections, each with a short introductory video and links to further information if you want to explore the topics in more depth.
First, we’ll provide an overview of generative AI, explaining its core concepts and applications. Next, we will introduce ChatGPT, one of the leading AI tools in this field, to illustrate how these models function in practice. We will then cover the fundamentals of prompt building, offering guidance on crafting effective inputs for generative AI systems. Finally, we will begin to address some of the important ethical considerations, risks, and copyright implications associated with generative AI.
By the end, you will have an understanding of the basic principles surrounding generative AI and will be able to begin to examine possible use cases within your teams and role.
This page does not give advice for using generative AI in an academic context. If you are interested in exploring the use of this technology for your study or research, especially in the context of summative assessments, you can contact the I&LS team or refer to the guidance provided by the University's Blended Learning Service.
Generative AI creates new content—like text, images, or even music—based on patterns it’s learned from data in response to questions (or prompts) that you ask it. It can be used to draft content like emails or promotional material, create engaging presentations, or act as a collaborative coach to help brainstorm ideas and make complex tasks easier to manage.
Learn more about generative AI and how it is being used in this JISC webinar.
Writing effective prompts is key to getting useful results from generative AI. Clear, specific prompts guide the AI, improving relevance and reducing errors or unintended biases. Whether you're crafting content, exploring ideas, or analyzing data, well-thought-out prompts make AI a powerful, more accurate tool.
If you'd like to learn more this free course provided by Coursera is a good place to start: Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics
ChatGPT is one of the best known generative AI tools. It's designed to have human-like conversations. You can ask it questions, get help with tasks, or brainstorm ideas, and it responds based on patterns from vast text data. CJBS has a partnership with OpenAI (the makers of ChatGPT) providing access to the latest versions like GPT-4o within a secure setting that will help protect data.
Learn more about everyday AI tools from this JISC webinar.
Using generative AI responsibly in the workplace means balancing innovation with caution. It's essential to handle sensitive data carefully, watch for potential biases, and consider ethical impacts. By staying mindful of these factors, organizations can harness AI's benefits while protecting privacy and promoting fairness.
If you are interested in exploring some of the ethical and safety aspects that surround generative AI further, this webinar from JISC is a good place to start.
We hope this information has provided you with an introduction to generative AI, showcasing its potential and offering guidance on how to use these tools effectively, while also highlighting some important considerations to keep in mind for responsible usage. If you're interested in using these tools further within your area of work, check out the information provided by the CJBS IT Team: https://it-training.jbs.cam.ac.uk/guides/ai-software/.