Artificial Intelligence (AI)

According to AI @ BU—A to Z, an alphabetized list of AI definitions and jargon, "very broadly, artificial intelligence (AI) is a field that utilizes sets of technologies to build machines that imitate—and, in some cases, replicate—the way humans think and solve problems... All artificial intelligence is driven by a series of algorithms, or the set of instructions a piece of software follows in order to make decisions and ultimately learn to operate on its own."

In this new era of AI, people often refer to Generative AI, or GenAI. This is "a type of algorithm that allows a user to create new content or data similar to the content or data that the algorithm was trained on. This ranges from simple predictive-text models, such as the autofill suggestions in your Outlook emails, to more involved software, such as ChatGPT, or Al that generates images... or movies based on the prompts you put in."

Microsoft Copilot is the approved large language model (LLM) for Boston University faculty, staff, and students. If you choose to use an LLM for any academic purpose, ensure that your use aligns with your course or department AI Assistance Policy. Always check your course syllabus for information about appropriate use of AI.

What Is Artificial Intelligence? AI at BU, from A to Z | Bostonia. (2024, December 15). Boston University. https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/what-is-artificial-intelligence-ai-at-bu-a-to-z/

As with the onset of most transformative technologies, the introduction and rapid implementation of Generative AI into higher education and nearly every other field has brought about significant ethical concerns along with advancements. Ethical considerations regarding Generative AI span a range of topics, all of which have been well documented. Some of these topics include:

• Environmental Issues
• Misinformation and Bias
• Academic Integrity
• Copyright Infringement
• Data Privacy
• Accessibility and Equity
• Diminishing Research & Critical Appraisal Skills