Digital and AI Tools for Ethically Researching and Comprehending Relevant and Credible Content
Outcome:
Students will develop critical AI literacy by learning to identify and use credible AI-powered research tools, evaluate the ethical use of AI in academic and professional contexts, and apply AI applications to personalize and enhance their own learning through diverse and accessible formats.
AI can be a powerful partner in finding and understanding information. These tools can help you locate, summarize, and organize sources:
Tool |
Strengths |
|
| ChatGPT | Generate quick explanations and summaries (video tutorial). | |
|
Perplexity |
Find sources with linked citations (demo link)
|
|
| SCC Library AI Search | Search SCC’s library database using AI tools (instruction video). Link to the Primo AI Test Page |
Everyone learns differently. AI can help you understand complex information in the way that works best for you.
Tools: Notebook LM – Multi sensory / Multi modality tool to interact with challenging content (Video Tutorial)
Examples:
Summarize a journal article into simple language.
Create a short quiz to test yourself.
Turn the key concepts into a graphic organizer.
Generate a podcast/audio version of an article.
Animate the content into a short explainer video.
Have a Q&A “conversation” with the article’s ideas.
AI is powerful, but it also raises important questions. Being an ethical AI user means thinking about more than just your own assignments — it’s about responsibility to yourself, others, and the world.
Key Concerns:
Academic Integrity – AI should not be used to write your essays, take your tests, or replace your own critical thinking. Using AI in these ways counts as plagiarism.
Bias – AI reflects the data it was trained on, which may include stereotypes or unfair perspectives.
Hallucinations – AI can “make things up,” producing information or citations that are not real. Always double-check facts and sources.
Privacy – AI systems may store or share the data you put into them. Be careful not to enter personal or sensitive information.
Environmental Impact – Training and running AI systems uses a lot of electricity and resources, which has environmental consequences.
Professional Appropriateness – In some jobs, using AI is allowed (like brainstorming ideas), but in others it may be seen as dishonest or unsafe (like drafting legal documents or medical advice).
