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AI News

The CIC AI Newsletter explores the exciting world of AI tools and keeps faculty informed of happenings.

We are excited to announce the launch of CIC’s new AI-focused website, “Fearlessly First in Artificial Intelligence.” This platform highlights our collective efforts in leading the AI revolution in our areas of expertise, preparing innovators, and pioneering research.
 
Leading the AI Revolution: Faculty and Staff Expertise
Our CIC faculty and staff are at the forefront of AI innovation. We are driving advancements and setting new standards in AI education and research.
 
Preparing Innovators: AI Education Beyond the Classroom
CIC is dedicated to preparing the next generation of AI leaders. The new website highlights the various educational initiatives designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the AI-driven world.
 
Pioneering AI Research: Advancing Knowledge and Understanding
At the heart of CIC’s AI initiatives is a commitment to research. The new website features the latest research projects and collaborations.
 
Visit fearlesslyfirst.ai to explore our AI initiatives and see how CIC is leading the way in artificial intelligence.
 
Join the Watson Event: A Competitive Workshop for Higher Education Students
As part of our commitment to preparing our students for AI beyond the classroom, CIC is partnering with IBM to present Call for Code: IBM watsonx on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications. This workshop offers higher education students from across South Carolina an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of generative AI using IBM’s watsonx software. Participants will engage in hands-on learning and apply their skills to solve a real-world challenge revealed during the event. The top three teams will be awarded prizes. The first-place team will receive $10,000 to be shared among the individuals. No coding or technical skills are needed to participate.
 
Why should your students participate?
  • Skill Development: Gain practical experience with cutting-edge AI technology.
  • Networking: Connect with peers, industry professionals, and potential employers.
  • Career Advancement: Access new free watsonx courses from IBM to propel their career goals.
  • Prizes: Compete for substantial monetary rewards.
Space is limited to 200 participants, so please encourage your students to register early to secure their spot. The registration deadline is Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Attached is a copy of the flyer to share with your students.
 
Also, we need volunteers to help on the day of the event. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Carol Kirkland at ck52@mailbox.sc.edu.
 
Carolina News and Reporter students are creating a newsroom ethics policy for AI
By Zane Heinlein, Senior Broadcast Journalism Student
 
School of Journalism and Mass Communication students in Carolina News and Reporter are developing a specific set of guidelines for when to use artificial intelligence in their work.
 
Senior Instructor Dr. Laura K. Smith facilitated the first discussion. The process will take place throughout the fall semester.
 
It surrounded the use of transcription services, generative AI and audio enhancers in broadcast, digital and social media journalism.
 
Senior Instructor and co-lead of Carolina News Rick Peterson said putting together an outline is key to quality and fair reporting.
 
“I think it’s a good idea to figure out what’s ethical at this point and what isn’t or what’s really good for learning and what isn’t,” Peterson said. 
 
The policy aims to outline the appropriate use of AI in any part of the journalistic process, including finding people to interview, writing and copy editing.
 
More than 30 graduate and undergraduate students went through possible scenarios. They agreed more on programs that eased their workflow like Otter.ai. However, the group butted heads on ones that checked for AP style or fixing sentence structure.
 
Peterson said AI should help guide students’ learning, not replace it.
 
“For instance, AI can do a lot of advanced things but some of that stuff you’d rather be learning how to do yourself, getting the basics down and not letting AI do all the work for you,” Peterson said.
 
Bill Frye, a senior broadcast journalism student in Carolina News, said creating a policy helps put up boundaries for him and his classmates.
 
“I think that one of the biggest things about journalism is literally just talking with other people and seeing what’s going on with them in some other situation,” Frye said. “I think that AI is not going to be able to do that but I could be wrong.”
 
Visit AI Photos to see images from the discussion. 
 
Discover the Future of AI Governance in Higher Education
Generative AI is revolutionizing higher education. It is offering new opportunities for personalized learning and tutoring support. However, it also brings challenges to academic integrity and ethical considerations. The research paper “AI Governance in Higher Education: Case Studies of Guidance at Big Ten Universities” by Chuhao Wu, He Zhang, and John M. Carroll explores how leading universities are navigating these complexities. Through detailed case studies of 14 prestigious universities in the United States, the paper examines multi-unit and role-specific governance of AI, highlighting both the strengths and potential limitations of these strategies. The findings provide practical implications for guiding responsible AI usage in higher education institutions and beyond. You can read “AI Governance in Higher Education: Case Studies of Guidance at Big Ten Universities” here. 
 
Update on IBMSkills Build Progress and New Incentive
Currently, 55% of the CIC faculty and staff has successfully completed the certification. To break it down further, 41% of our faculty members and an impressive 78% of our staff have reached this milestone. Your dedication to enhancing your skills is commendable and sets a high bar for our college.
 
To further encourage participation, we are introducing a new incentive. Any faculty or staff member who completes the course by January 1, 2025, and submits their certificate to Amy Calkins will receive a $150 incentive. This reward is a token of appreciation for your hard work and an investment in our collective expertise.
 
Save the Date – November 20, 2024
“AI Tools for Academic Research”
Presented by Dr. Sabrina Habib
Topics:
  • Do’s and don’ts of using AI for academic purposes
  • How to use AI apps for literature review
  • How to use AI apps for research questions
Bring a computer for hands-on practice.
Also, Dr. Habib is presenting for HBUs in South Carolina on November 19 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in SJMC Room 318.
 
Special thanks to Zane Heinlein and Dr. Laura K. Smith  for their contributions to this newsletter. Please let me know if you have any stories, ideas, or training opportunities that you’d like to include in the next edition.
 
All the best,
Marcia
Dear Colleagues,
 
I hope everyone had a great first week! I want to begin this newsletter by acknowledging the vast AI expertise many of you already possess. Your dedication to staying ahead in this rapidly evolving field is evident and something that all of us should take pride in.
 
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of continual learning and professional growth here at CIC, we’ve partnered with IBM to offer the SkillsBuild Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fundamentals course. Our goal is to have the majority of our college certified in AI through this program. It is ambitious but achievable.
 
Why is this important? Beyond the personal and professional development this certification offers, it’s about positioning CIC as a leader in the digital age. By becoming AI certified, you are not just adding another credential to your resumes. You are helping to fortify the future of our college and ensuring that CIC remains at the forefront of technological innovation not only within the University of South Carolina but across the broader academic and professional community.
 
So, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. The deadline to participate in the financial incentive is Tuesday, September 3. Send your AI certificate to Amy Caulkins to receive credit. See attached for enrollment details.
 
AI and Ethics
This week Ruth Avidar, Ph.D., a senior lecturer at Yezreel Valley College in Israel, is presenting a lecture based on her groundbreaking research, titled "Strategic Approaches of AI Technology by PR Leadership: Exploring Ethical Artificial Intelligence Usage in Public Relations." Her research explores how PR firms can maintain ethical standards amidst AI technological disruption. It offers strategies to ensure that AI applications align with the core principles of PR professionalism—principles that are increasingly under scrutiny as AI becomes more pervasive.
Date: August 28, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: SJMC 318
Please reserve your spot by visiting this link.
 
Alamir Novin, School of Information Science
It is also important to acknowledge the outstanding work that our colleagues are doing.
 
Alamir Novin, an assistant professor and researcher in the School of Information Science, is a data scientist at the forefront of AI research and instruction at USC. As the faculty lead for USC’s AI & AGI Lab, he is conducting AI experiments that are driving innovation through interdisciplinary collaborations. In partnership with CIC’s Social Media Insights Lab, his team explores the  interactions between AI technology and societal dynamics using big data.
 
Novin’s lab also collaborates with CIC’s Biometrics and User Experience (BaUX) Lab to investigate the human biological responses to AI advancements. This research is important in understanding how AI can be tailored to better serve human needs while maintaining ethical standards in its application.
 
One of the most exciting partnerships Novin has spearheaded is with MethodsAGI. They are using cutting-edge simulation software to study the impacts of AI on learning and cognition. This collaboration is pushing the boundaries of how we understand AI’s role in education and cognitive development.
 
Also, Novin is an integral part of a four-university consortium that includes Cornell, Temple, and UT-Arlington. This collaboration further expands the reach and impact of his research, positioning CIC as a leader in AI innovation on a national scale.
 
You can learn more about Novin’s approach to AI research in the full article: Thinking about Thinking.
Mastering AI Prompt Writing with Greg Matusky
Several CIC staff members recently attended a webinar by Greg Matusky of Gregory FCA, titled “Mastering AI Prompt Writing,” hosted by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The session was designed for those new to AI and provided practical tips for crafting effective prompts.
 
Matusky introduced the “Six Pillars for Writing a Great Prompt,” which include:
1. Voice: Reflect the speaker’s voice in the prompt.
2. Audience: Tailor the prompt to the specific audience.
3. Details: Provide relevant facts since AI like ChatGPT is limited to pre-2022 data.
4. Tone: Specify whether the tone should be playful, direct, or professional.
5. Message: Structure the prompt to guide AI through a logical narrative.
6. Channel: Indicate the intended format, whether it’s a blog post, social media update, or speech.
 
The session also compared Claude and ChatGPT, noting that Claude excels in summarizing documents, explaining complex topics, and engaging in creative dialogue. Matusky shared a white paper detailing how his agency has achieved a 3.75% ROI through AI integration. Both the white paper and webinar summary are attached for more information.
 
Sabrina Habib recently shared an insightful article on the growing importance of media literacy in our digital age. With AI-generated images becoming increasingly realistic, it’s crucial for educators and students to develop the skills needed to distinguish between real and artificial content.  https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/quiz-real-or-ai/
 
To help your students and you sharpen these critical skills, I encourage you to take the “Real or AI Quiz: Can You Tell the Difference?” This fun, interactive quiz challenges you to identify which images are real and which are AI-generated. It’s not only a great resource for your own media literacy but also an excellent tool to test and enhance your students’ ability to critically evaluate visual content.
 
Closing
Thank you to Shannon Bowen, Amy Coward, APR, Fellow PRSA, and Sabrina Habib for their contributions to this month’s newsletter. Your insights and expertise are what make our community thrive. I also appreciate everyone who shared story ideas, experiences, and valuable AI resources. If your submission didn’t make it into this edition, I’ll do my best to try to include it in the next one.  Let’s keep the momentum going. Please continue to share your AI experiences, collaborations and story ideas. Together we will strengthen our community, uphold the excellence of our college, and achieve even greater things!
 
Sincerely,
Marcia
As we are nearing the start of the new academic year, I wanted to share a quote with you:
 
“It must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of students with facts … it is to teach them to think.” – Robert M. Hutchins
 
In the context of generative AI, this quote is particularly relevant. While AI can provide vast amounts of information and generate content, it is crucial for us to focus on teaching students how to evaluate, interpret, and think critically about that content. Students should not be just passive recipients of AI-generated information but active participants in analyzing and understanding it. This approach aligns with Hutchins' philosophy, where the true purpose of education is to cultivate thoughtful minds capable of making informed decisions in a complex world.
 
AI Policy Statements for Syllabus
Given the importance of fostering critical thinking in the generative AI world, it is essential that we consider how AI is used in our classrooms beginning with the policies we establish.
 
Currently, the University of South Carolina does not have an “official policy” on using generative AI.  Instead, the university’s position is that it is a violation for students to represent work that they did not do. Work generated by AI that is not credited falls under that policy. It is up to you to develop your own policies regarding the use of generative AI in your classes. Where do you begin?
 
Also, attached are some examples from classes at other institutions:
·         Media and Society - Keene State College – Mike Wakefield
·         Social Media Marketing - UMASS Lowell – Spencer M. Ross
·         Introduction to Professional Writing - University of North Carolina Wilmington – Lance Cummings
·         Professional as Writer & Researcher - Pacific University – Andrew Longhofer
·         First Year Writing - Regis University – Loretta Notareschi
 
Communication Strategy
The syllabus is a good place to begin to communicate your AI policy. You may want to consider a communications strategy to help prevent any confusion around your position, academic integrity, grading, etc. Here are some ideas:
 
Passive Communications
·         Printed handout in class
·         A Blackboard module
·         Video or narrated presentation about AI in the intro module on Blackboard
·         FAQ about AI page on Blackboard
·         Assignment descriptions reinforcing your policy
·         Rubrics - include where AI detection tools might be used and consequences of using AI for each assignment
 
Active Communications
·         Verbal announcements in class
·         Syllabus/Course policies quiz
·         Q&A Sessions
·         Group discussion in class
·         Online discussions throughout the course
·         Activities in class
·         Active AI learning activity
 
Creating Assignments to Incorporate AI into Assignments
In addition to crafting a policy statement, you need to determine how and when you incorporate AI in your classrooms and assignments. The attached article, "Artificial Intelligence and the Philosophy of Education” by Silvio Nocilla, underscores the importance of aligning AI implementation with the best interests of students while maintaining the integrity of educational practices. It focuses on how AI can be integrated into progressive teaching methods by emphasizing experiential learning and real-world connections. It highlights the importance of ensuring that AI enhances, rather than diminishes, the quality of education.
 
Following are some videos about designing assignments:
 
 
 
 
Special Shout Out!
In another YouTube video, CIC faculty Vanessa Kitzie, Valerie Byrd-Fort, and Jenna Spiering discussed “Generative AI: What Librarians Need to Know.” (1:29:41) This special session was presented to librarians through the South Carolina State Library. It is an impressive presentation!
 
IBM AI SkillsBuild Update
Last, congratulations to everyone who has completed the IBM AI SkillsBuild course. Almost 50% of our faculty and staff have successfully completed the certification. Visit https://sb-auth.skillsbuild.org/signup to register. See attached for enrollment details.
 
Please feel free to share your AI policy statement, communications strategy and/or examples of assignments using AI. Also, please share any good news stories about your colleagues or yourself regarding generative AI.
 
I look forward to seeing everyone on Friday, August 16.
 
Marcia
Good afternoon - 
 
The deadlines for the AI certification programs have been extended to give you more time to power up your skills before the Fall semester goes into full swing.
 
IBM SkillsBuild Certification:
  • New Deadline: Tuesday, September 3
  • What: Enhance your knowledge with free courses from IBM experts in generative AI, machine learning, and more.
  • How: To register, follow the instructions in the attached document for enrollment details. Completion certificates should be sent to Amy Calkins.
  • Benefits: Faculty and staff will receive a $300 incentive for completing the certification by the deadline. This program helps you stay ahead with a valuable digital credential from IBM.
  • Why: According to an IBM Institute of Business Value report, 40% of the workforce will need reskilling in the next three years due to AI and automation.
  • Update: Nearly 20% percent of our faculty and over 60% of our staff have already achieved certification. Roughly 35% of CIC have completed the program. 
 
Auburn University "Teaching with AI" Course:
  • New Deadline: Monday, December 2
  • What: A self-paced online course by Auburn University's Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, designed to help you integrate AI tools into your teaching and research.
  • How: You can  Sign up for the Teaching with AI free course through USC's Center for Teaching Excellence. 
  • Benefits: Earn the AUAI Explorer badge. Faculty will receive a $600 stipend for additional professional development upon course completion. Completion certificates should be sent to Amy Calkins.
  • Why: As AI technologies become more prevalent, understanding how to use tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and others is crucial. This award-winning course provides engaging, interactive content that explores practical applications of AI in teaching and research.
Take advantage of these extended deadlines to build your AI expertise and enhance your professional skills!
 
Adobe AI - Enhancing Creativity and Efficiency
As part of our ongoing AI initiative to empower our educators and administrators, we are excited to introduce the next tool in our AI series: Adobe AI. Adobe AI is revolutionizing the way we approach creative projects, enhancing both efficiency and creativity.
 
Also, the College of Information and Communications is providing Adobe Creative Cloud free of charge to all CIC majors. This initiative aims to equip our students with cutting-edge tools to enhance their learning and creative projects, further preparing them for successful careers in their fields.
 
 Adobe Creative Cloud vs. Adobe Sensei
Adobe Creative Cloud is a suite of over 20 creative apps for professional design work, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, InDesign and Firefly. It also includes cloud storage, social media templates, and access to Behance and Adobe Portfolio.
 
Adobe Sensei is an AI framework that automates and improves design tasks in Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop. Sensei features include content-aware fill, auto selection, face-aware liquify, curvature pen tool, and object selection.
 
Some Key Features of Adobe AI
1. Content-Aware Fill:
   - Automatically remove unwanted elements from images and seamlessly fill the gaps with contextually appropriate content.
   - Perfect for photo editing, allowing you to clean up visuals quickly without compromising on quality.
 
2. Neural Filters:
   - Apply a range of artistic and practical effects to images with just a few clicks.
   - Transform portraits, enhance colors, and even change facial expressions to suit your creative vision.
 
3. Auto Reframe:
   - Automatically reframe video footage to fit different aspect ratios for various platforms.
   - Ensures that important elements remain in the frame, saving you time during video editing.
 
4. Adobe Sensei:
   - Powers intelligent features across Creative Cloud.
   - Includes capabilities like automatic tagging for image libraries, personalized recommendations, and automated design elements.
 
5. Voice Control:
   - Utilize voice commands to control Adobe applications, making the creative process more intuitive and hands-free.
 
Benefits for Educators and Researchers
- Enhanced Creativity: Adobe AI tools free up time from repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your projects.
- Improved Efficiency: Automate time-consuming processes like image retouching, video editing, and asset management.
- Accessibility: Voice control and automated features make Adobe tools more accessible to users with different needs and abilities.
- Research and Presentation: Quickly create polished visuals and multimedia content for research presentations and publications.
 
 Benefits for Staff Members
- Streamlined Workflows: Adobe AI can automate routine tasks, such as organizing digital assets and generating reports, allowing staff to focus on more strategic initiatives.
- Professional Development: Learning to use advanced AI tools can enhance your skill set, making you more proficient in modern digital tools and more valuable in your role.
- Enhanced Communication: Create compelling visual content for internal and external communications with ease, improving the quality and impact of your messages.
- Time Savings: Automated processes reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, freeing up your schedule for more important responsibilities.
 
Prompt Examples for Adobe AI
Journalism Teacher:
- "Generate an infographic that illustrates the key statistics of a recent survey on media consumption based on the following information ( )."
- "Enhance a photograph for a feature story, focusing on adjusting lighting and removing background distractions."
 
Library Science:
- "Create a visually appealing catalog cover that highlights new arrivals and featured books based on the following information( )."
- "Generate a clean and professional layout for an academic paper on digital archiving."
 
Staff:
- "Design a sleek and modern title slide for a presentation on organizational goals."
- "Generate an engaging and informative infographic slide summarizing key project milestones."
 
Getting Started with Adobe AI
To get started with Adobe AI, follow these steps:
 
1. Purchase an Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription:
The university offers Adobe Creative Cloud through the Department of Information Technology at a discounted rate. Software programs are available at reduced or no cost for use on university-owned computers. You can find this option at my.sc.edu under "Purchase Computer Software." Faculty must get approval from their School's director, and staff need approval from their department head. Approval depends on your job responsibilities, so check with your director or department head for more information.
 
If you don't get approved for the university subscription, you can purchase it directly from Adobe. Individual plans start at $52.99 per month for all Adobe applications. Adobe offers discounted rates for students and educators, starting at $19.99 per month. For more details, visit the Adobe website.
 
2. Explore Tutorials and Resources:
 Adobe offers a wealth of tutorials and resources on their website to help you get acquainted with AI features. Visit the Adobe Learn page for video tutorials, user guides, and articles.
 
3. Experiment with Features:
   - Start by exploring some of the key AI features mentioned above. Practice using Content-Aware Fill, Neural Filters, and Auto Reframe to see how they can enhance your work.
 
4. Join Online Communities:
   - Connect with other Adobe users and professionals through forums and online communities. Sites like the Adobe Support Community  can be valuable for tips, troubleshooting, and inspiration.
 
Feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions for future AI tools you would like to explore. Also, let me know it you have any AI topics you’d like to explore in future newsletters or any AI articles you would like to share. Also, please let me know if you are working with AI tools that you especially like. We would love to share your experiences with our colleagues.
 
Marcia
_
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, its integration into higher education brings opportunities and challenges. This newsletter covers the ethical considerations necessary for our responsible AI adoption, the differing adoption rates between students and faculty, and the potential future impact of AI on higher education. Plus, there is a new tool introduction for faculty and staff.
 
Embracing Generative AI Responsibly
A recent report titled “Enhancing Higher Education With Generative AI: A Responsible Approach” provides a comprehensive framework for implementing AI in academia. The report emphasizes the importance of balanced implementation. It advocates for clear guidelines and governance while maintaining human oversight. This approach ensures that AI tools are used ethically and effectively, enhancing personalized learning, improving student engagement, and saving time for instructors and staff on administrative tasks.
 
The report also highlights the need to address concerns related to accuracy, bias, and academic integrity. Institutions, including CIC, must foster open discussions among faculty, students, and staff. Training for the entire college is crucial as the technology rapidly evolves, so everyone is equipped to use AI responsibly.
 
IBM AI SkillsBuild Update
In line with this commitment, 11% of our faculty and 21% of our staff have successfully completed the IBM SkillsBuild certification, bringing the overall completion rate to 14% among CIC faculty and staff. This comprehensive 10-hour class introduces essential AI technologies that will enhance our curriculum, advance research projects, promote professional growth, improve operational efficiency through informed decision-making processes, and offer financial incentives to you upon successful completion. We encourage you to complete the IBM SkillsBuild certification by August 1, 2024. Visit
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/reg_login.aspx to register. Please see attached for enrollment details.
 
The Digital Divide: Students vs. Faculty
As we continue to embrace AI in our academic community, it’s important to recognize and address the varying levels of adoption and comfort with this technology. There is a noticeable gap in adoption rates between students and faculty. According to a recent survey reported by Inside Higher Ed, A New Digital Divide: Student AI Use Surges, Leaving Faculty Behind, 51% of students believe AI has helped them achieve better grades, and 56% report improved efficiency. In contrast, only 14% of faculty feel confident using AI in their teaching. This disparity is causing friction, with nearly a third of students reporting warnings against AI use from professors. The survey underscores the need for universities to address this digital divide by providing support for faculty and staff to become more comfortable with AI tools.
 
To help bridge this gap, we would like to introduce you to another AI tool, Google Gemini. Google Gemini is a cutting-edge AI platform developed by Google, designed to integrate machine learning and natural language processing to assist with various tasks. It aims to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and provide intuitive, intelligent support for users in academic and professional settings.
 
In the video “How to Use Google Gemini – Including New Prompts” (17 minutes long), you learn about the various functionalities of Gemini. The speaker demonstrates how to:
  • Write prompts to create blog outlines and content,
  • Draft emails in Gemini and export them to Gmail,
  • Design prompts to find and summarize industry reports,
  • Manage the built-in image detection capabilities,  
  • Use the YouTube extension to find and summarize YouTube videos.
  • Overall, the video provides a comprehensive overview of Google Gemini and its functionalities.
Professional and Ethical Considerations
Despite the availability of advanced tools like Google Gemini, not everyone is quick to embrace AI. Scott Latham’s article, “Memo to Faculty: AI Is Not Your Friend,” offers a critical perspective on the integration of AI into higher education. Latham warns that AI could replace many teaching functions by 2030, urging faculty to emphasize critical thinking and experiential learning to maintain their relevance. He advises against complacency and highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property. Latham’s cautionary stance serves as a reminder that while AI has the potential to enhance education, it also poses significant risks. We must remain vigilant and proactive in shaping the role of AI in our classrooms while ensuring that it complements rather than replaces our expertise.
 
Guardrails to Navigate the Future
To help educate faculty on how to incorporate AI ethically into the classroom while understanding the risks of AI, USC is offering a course, Teaching with AI, from the Auburn University’s Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning. This comprehensive program guides you through the best practices for integrating AI tools in a way that enhances learning experiences without compromising ethical standards. You have a year to complete the course. However, the College of Information and Communications is offering a $600 stipend to support your professional development and travel funds for those who complete the course by October 20, 2024. Send your completion certificate to Amy Calkins. Once you have submitted the registration form, please keep an eye on your email inbox for further instructions from Instructure Canvas (notifications@instructure.com). Following is a testimonial from one of our colleagues who has completed the Teaching with AI course:
 
Dear CIC colleagues,
 
I have completed the Auburn AI training over the past few weeks. It took some time but was worth the effort. As we have emphasized in the College this year, AI is changing higher ed--how we teach, how students learn, how we manage our work and service--and is changing the professional workspaces our students will enter upon graduation. One idea I particularly liked from the Auburn training was that if we don't teach our students how to learn using AI, then all they are doing is teaching AI to become smarter while they do not become smarter themselves. That is not a win for our students or for society.
 
I have seen that many of you are incorporating Gen AI learning outcomes into new courses proposed and into your assignments and activities. This is fantastic leadership for the university and for our future grads. Students in our courses will be a step or two ahead of graduates from other universities that do not have this background and training. Your innovative use of AI for learning and teaching will make a difference in terms of student outcomes, but also in terms of our own enjoyment and success in our careers as academics.
 
I appreciate the enthusiasm you bring to the College about innovative pedagogies and incorporating Generative AI into our curriculum and the student experience.
 
Many thanks!
 
Kim Thompson
Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
College of Information and Communication
 
Looking Ahead
As we navigate the complexities of AI in higher education, it is crucial we strike a balance between embracing innovation and maintaining ethical standards. By fostering open discussions in the College of Information and Communications and providing ongoing training, we can harness the potential of AI while safeguarding the integrity of our academic community.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, tools, prompts or testimonials that you would like to share.
 
All the best, 
Marcia
I hope everyone is having a great summer and had a wonderful July 4.
 
University of South Carolina Hackathon with IBM SkillsBuild
We are excited to announce that CIC tentatively plans to host a full-day Hackathon in collaboration with IBM SkillsBuild on Saturday, September 28. This special event is designed for high school students, members of Black Girls Code, students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), CIC students, faculty, and staff. This event promises to be a dynamic and engaging experience, fostering innovation and collaboration among participants.
 
Support Black Girls Code: Earn IBM SkillsBuild Certification and Trigger $100 Donation
In addition to the Hackathon, there is a unique opportunity for CIC employees to support Black Girls Code. For each CIC employee who earns the IBM SkillsBuild AI Fundamentals certification, a donor has pledged to give $100 to Black Girls Code in their honor. Black Girls Code is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls of color by providing them with opportunities to learn computer programming and technology skills. By completing the IBM SkillsBuild course, CIC employees can support an exceptional nonprofit while earning the certification.
 
IBM SkillsBuild AI Fundamentals course deadline fast approaching
The IBM SkillsBuild AI Fundamentals course is a 10-hour class that introduces relevant AI technologies, which can be integrated into your curriculum and research. Participants who successfully complete the course by August 1, 2024, and submit their certificate to Amy Calkins, will have $300 transferred to their school director for additional travel funds or professional development. To register, visit
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/reg_login.aspx. Please see attached for registration details.
 
Sam Beals, School of Journalism and Mass Communications Graduate Student Services Manager and a recent graduate of the IBM SkillsBuild course, shared his experience: “Before taking the Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals course, my prior experience with AI consisted of some brief online tutorials and the occasional use of ChatGPT. I really had not taken the time to actually learn what AI was all about and what we as users can do with the countless tools at our fingertips. I found the course to be very practical and working through the modules was a seamless experience. I especially enjoyed the section on AI and data ethics, which is certainly a popular topic nowadays. Also, the concepts taught in this course gave me several ideas on how to streamline some of my processes working in student services at USC. Being able to obtain an AI credential backed by IBM, a global leader in technology innovation, is a nice touch. Whether we’re ready or not, AI is here to stay, and this course provided a solid foundation on both the theoretical and practical aspects of this exciting and growing industry.”
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with cutting-edge AI technologies, support a meaningful cause, and enhance your professional development.
 
Microsoft AI: A Powerful Tools for Faculty and Staff
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, leveraging AI tools can significantly enhance productivity and creativity. According to the 2024 Work Trend Index by Microsoft and Linkedin, the use of generative AI has become widespread, with 75% of workers globally using it. Among them, 90% report that AI saves time, 85% say it helps focus on important tasks, 84% credit it for enhancing creativity, and 83% say it makes work more enjoyable.
 
For CIC faculty and staff, Microsoft offers a suite of AI-powered tools integrated into its Edge browser and Microsoft Copilot designed to help you in your daily tasks.
 
Microsoft Edge Browser
Microsoft Edge is more than just a web browser. It’s an AI-powered tool that helps you achieve more with features like Copilot, Designer, Compose, Image Creator, VPN, etc. These features are designed to save time, enhance productivity, and protect online privacy. For example, the Collections feature allows you to gather and organize web content efficiently, which is particularly useful for research, lesson plans and content curation.
 
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant integrated into Microsoft 365 applications. It is available for free through on the Microsoft Edge Browser and provides a range of functionalities to streamline work processes. Here are some examples:
  • Summarizing Emails: Copilot can quickly summarize lengthy email threads, highlighting key points and action items, making it easier to stay on top of communications.
  • Drafting Copy: Whether it’s drafting a press release, article, or social media post, Copilot can generate initial drafts based on prompts, saving time and ensuring consistency.
  • Summarizing Reports: Copilot can condense lengthy reports into concise summaries, making it easier to digest large volumes of information.
  • Creating Images: With AI-powered design tools, users can generate custom images and graphics tailored to their needs.
  • Creating Music with Lyrics: Through a partnership with Suno, Copilot enables you to create complete songs, including lyrics, instrumentals, and vocals, from simple text prompts. This tool is particularly beneficial for creative directors and content creators looking to add unique musical elements to their projects.
  • Summarizing and Translating Documents: Copilot also excels in understanding and summarizing complex documents, even if they’re in a foreign language.
Whether it’s summarizing complex information, drafting content, or creating multimedia elements, Microsoft’s suite of tools offers versatile solutions to meet diverse professional needs. Feel free to explore these tools and see how they can transform your daily tasks and projects! Following is a video, Get Started with Microsoft Copilot (Beginners Guide), from Anders Jensen, an assistant professor in the Kennedy School at Harvard University.  It is about seven minutes long. You can find his complete Copilot course, which is about 50 minutes long, here.
 
Also, watch this short video about what makes a good prompt for Copilot. It is one minute and thirty seconds long.
 
Please let me know if you have any AI tools, stories, news articles or prompts that you would like to share.
  
Marcia

Hello, CIC Community!
 
Welcome to the inaugural issue of our bi-weekly AI newsletter, where we’ll explore the exciting world of AI tools. Our first stop? ChatGPT. (GPT stands for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer.) If you've been curious about AI or looking for ways to streamline your work, read on!
 
 What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is an advanced AI language model developed by OpenAI. Think of it as your very own virtual assistant, capable of generating human-like text based on the prompts you provide. Whether you need help brainstorming ideas, drafting emails, or even creating lesson plans, ChatGPT can be a game-changer.
 
ChatGPT vs. ChatGPT-4o: What’s the Difference?
ChatGPT: This free version offers coherent and contextually relevant responses. It’s great for general use and straightforward tasks. It uses data up to September 2021, which means it's aware of information, events, and advancements up to that point.
 
ChatGPT-4o:
This is the latest and greatest, boasting improved understanding and generation capabilities. It handles complex queries with ease, offers more accurate responses, and is better at understanding nuanced prompts. ChatGPT-4o uses a more extensive and updated dataset, providing enhanced performance. You also get access to DALL-E image generation and additional GPTs. Access to GPT-4o requires a monthly subscription fee of $20. It uses data up to October 2023.
 
Getting Started with ChatGPT
1. Sign Up for an account
2. Choose Your Model: Decide whether you want to use GPT, which is free, or GPT-4o which requires a monthly subscription for access.
3. Verify Your Account: After you’ve successfully signed up for ChatGPT, the next step is to verify your account.
3. Start Prompting: Once you're in, you can start entering your prompts and exploring what ChatGPT can do.
  
Formula for Writing a Prompt
A well-crafted prompt can make all the difference. Here’s a formula to follow:
Identity + Goal + Context + Tone
 
1. Identity: State who you are or your role. Example: “You are a college instructor teaching JOUR XXX”
2. Goal: State the Purpose: Define what you want to achieve. Make it specific. Provide any necessary background information.
3. Context: Break down instructions logically. Why you need it and who is involved.
4. Tone: Describe the tone: professional, casual, witty, friendly, etc.
If the prompt does not give you exactly what you want, you will need to refine it. Attached are example prompts using this formula.
 
How can you use it?
1. Research: Good for generating literature reviews, summarizing articles, or finding sources.
2. Teaching: Helps in creating lesson plans, quizzes, and interactive activities for students.
3. Administration: Assists with drafting emails, organizing meetings, and managing schedules.
4. Creative: Ideal for brainstorming campaign ideas, writing scripts, or developing creative content.
 
Benefits for Faculty and Staff
- Time-Saving: Automate repetitive tasks like drafting emails or creating reports.
- Enhanced Creativity: Get fresh ideas for projects, campaigns, and lessons.
- Improved Productivity: Focus on high-priority tasks while ChatGPT handles the rest.
- Access to Information: Quickly summarize research papers or gather information on any topic. Be aware that ChatGPT can hallucinate, so always verify the sources and information.
 
We hope this gives you a solid introduction to ChatGPT and its potential to revolutionize your workflow. Next time, we'll explore another exciting AI tool, Microsoft Copilot. Let me know if you have any AI tools that have helped you become more productive. I’d love to share your story with our colleagues.  Stay tuned, and happy prompting!

 

 

 

 

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