Exploring AI Tools
Popular Generative AI Tools
In the table below, we have compiled a selection of the most popular generative AI tools that have potential to enhance aspects of teaching and research. These tools include both text generators and text-to-image generators. Use this table to explore functionalities, pricing, strengths and limitations and potential applications of these AI tools.
| AI Tool | Pricing | Description | Strength | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Free & paid versions | Generative text AI by OpenAI. The most popular and effective generative text AI. Can generate human-like responses. | Highly interactive with a wide range of applications. Can understand context and provide detailed responses. | Occasionally generates inaccurate or nonsensical responses. |
| Copilot | Free | Microsoft’s AI tool connected to its search engine. Can create responses that draw on the internet currently. | Integration with search for current information. Provides a wide range of search results. | Responses may be less refined than other AI tools. Limited control over generated content. |
| Copilot365 | Included with Microsoft 365 | An AI tool within the Office 365 suite for task automation and content assistance in applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. | Integrates with Microsoft Office, user-friendly, advanced content and data handling. | Requires Office 365, limited to functionalities within Microsoft applications. |
| DALLE | Free | OpenAI’s generative model that can generate images from textual descriptions, allowing users to create unique visual content. | Capable of producing high-quality images based on text inputs. Provides creative output and customizable options. | Limited to generating images only. Requires clear and detailed textual descriptions to generate accurate visuals. |
| MidJourney | Free trial – paid version | A generative image tool that can be accessed through Discord, a messaging platform. Allows users to create unique visual content. | Convenient for users familiar with Discord. Provides a variety of image styles and customization options. | Requires Discord, which might not be accessible or preferred by all users. Generated images may lack fine details or realism. |
| Claude | Free | Generative text AI that allows you to upload large text files (a few hundred pages) that can provide additional context for the questions that you ask of it. | Handles extensive context from large text uploads. Can generate detailed and coherent responses. | May not be as sophisticated in shorter, quick-turnaround queries. Limited availability of specific features in the free version. Not currently available in Canada. |
| Bard | Free | Google’s generative AI tool that connected to its search engine. Allows you to upload a file to provide additional context and generate responses. | Google’s vast data at its disposal for rich responses. Provides options for context customization. | Still in development, may not be as polished or widely available. Generated content may require additional editing for coherence. Not currently available in Canada. |
Here are example prompts and corresponding outputs from each of the AI tools mentioned in the table:
ChatGPT Prompt: “Can you explain the concept of photosynthesis?”
Output: “Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. It is an essential process for the production of food and oxygen in ecosystems. During photosynthesis, chlorophyll in plant cells captures sunlight energy, which is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.”
Copilot Prompt: “What are the main causes of climate change?”
Output: Search results with a list of articles, websites, and resources related to the main causes of climate change, including factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, industrial activities, and burning fossil fuels.
DALLE Prompt: “Generate an image of a serene sunset over a calm lake.”
Output: A serene sunset over a calm lake, with the sky painted in shades of orange, pink, and purple. The water is still, reflecting the colors of the sky.
MidJourney Prompt: “Create a digital art piece inspired by nature.”
Output: 4 examples of digitally created artwork featuring vibrant and abstract representations of elements found in nature, such as flowers, trees, or landscapes, using a combination of colors and textures.
Claude Prompt: “Provide a detailed explanation of the Pythagorean theorem.”
Output: “The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. Mathematically, it can be expressed as a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where ‘a’ and ‘b’ are the lengths of the legs of the triangle, and ‘c’ is the length of the hypotenuse.”
Bard Prompt: “What are the key features of a democratic government?”
Output: “Key features of a democratic government include popular sovereignty, where the power lies with the people through elected representatives; political equality, ensuring that every citizen has equal rights and opportunities; rule of law, where laws apply equally to all individuals; protection of individual rights and freedoms; and regular and free elections to ensure the accountability of the government.”
Please note that the outputs generated by these AI tools are based on training data and may not always be accurate or contextually appropriate. It’s important to critically evaluate and verify the information generated by these tools.
