Artificial intelligence

Quick overview on what is AI 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the umbrella term for computer systems that perform tasks we typically expect from people—such as recognizing patterns, making predictions, or engaging in conversation. 

A simple analogy: AI is the car; Machine Learning (ML) is the engine that learns from data instead of hand-written rules; Generative AI is the painter—it takes what it has learned about patterns and creates new text, images, or audio. 

In schools, the generative kind (e.g., chat tools) feels new, but AI isn't entirely new: early AI systems followed strict rules (the 1950s–90s "if-then" era). In the 2010s, ML improved rapidly with more data and powerful chips (the "engine" got better). The recent shift (2022–present) is the use of large language models (LLMs)—systems trained on vast text libraries that can predict the next useful word, making them surprisingly effective at drafting rubrics, rephrasing directions, or outlining lessons. 

Treat these tools as planning aides, not grading robots: use them to save time, then verify and personalize for your class. Before using outputs, do a fast double-check on the following:

1. Facts: Names, dates, citations, and quotes match sources; 

2. Privacy: Never paste student PII or complete student work into external tools; prefer school accounts;

3. Authorship: Ask for process evidence (outline/draft/revision or a brief "what I changed & why") so students' voices stay centered.

• LLM: Large Language Model

• NLP: Natural Language Processing

• Bots: Chatbots are the most common way that human's currently interface with AI. They are usually powered by LLMs and designed to understand and output results using our natural language.

• AI: Artificial Intelligence

• Agents: AI that moves beyond just producing text, images, and video. Agents utilize AI to actually perform tasks on systems that they have been given access.

• Generative AI: AI that specializes in creating "new" and "original" content.

• Generalized AI: AI that isn't out yet, but would go beyond the LLMs and Chatbots we see today.

• Super-intelligence: AI that is better at everything than humans. Is it possible?