The use of generative AI can bring gains in efficiency and productivity. For example, using a web search to learn about a functionality in Excel would require several minutes of previewing websites and videos to learn the generic approach, but a carefully-prompted query into an LLM can generate the exact formula needed in seconds.
LLMs are good at several writing-related tasks:
- summarizing
- detecting patterns
- finding needles in haystacks
- sorting
- brainstorming
- outlining
- drafting text
- improving prose
- comparing drafts to prompts/tasks
Faculty and staff are encouraged to consider whether AI can assist them in their day jobs, either via the categories listed above or others.
Typically, this would look like some version of “co-creation,” where the user and AI alternate tasks throughout the writing process. For example, perhaps you brainstorm a topic, then ask AI to do the same. Another option is to ask AI to create thesis ideas (or a summary, or an abstract, or an outline, etc.), then you do the same. A different way to imagine co-creation is to ask AI to refine human-created work.
In essence, anytime there is something involving writing, you might well consider using AI as a “thought partner” in the various steps of the writing process.
“50+ AI Hacks for Educators”
The Faculty Center staff wrote this open-source book that provides ideas on how to use AI in your own life as a staff member, including conducting research and increasing productivity with administrative tasks. It is free for anyone to use and may be shared with others both inside and outside of UCF. While staff members are not the direct target, they will certainly recognize many scenarios that could apply to their day jobs as well.