Information Technology Services (ITS) announces the launch of three Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools available for campus-wide use that are designed to enhance and protect the App State educational environment by providing advanced capabilities for collaboration, productivity and learning. Remember to consult your instructors about the use of these tools in each course and review the responsible use guidelines below.
To get started, watch this short video (2:57 min) to understand Generative AI, these tools and the responsibilities that come with their use.
Privacy and Security
Understanding how data and information are managed with AI is crucial. ITS has thoroughly vetted and approved these AI tools for all App State employees and students, recommending them specifically for their robust data privacy and protection measuresincluding:
Secure handling and storage: Each tool ensures that personal and institutional information is securely managed and not shared with third parties.
No data retention for training: Prompts, responses and attached files are not saved or used to train the underlying large language models.
Encryption: Data sent to and from these platforms is encrypted to maintain privacy.
Any additional AI feature, whether a new tool or extension of an existing service or software must go through our established acquisitions process to ensure it meets security and accessibility guidelines and will be reviewed by the Chancellor’s AI Task Force.
New AI tools and use
NotebookLM
Google's NotebookLM is an AI-powered research assistant designed to help users summarize sources into text and audio. Users can use up to 50 types of resources (websites, PDFs, links, etc.) and get tailored summaries, explanations or questions to clarify information.
Ways to incorporate NotebookLM for academic success
Master reading assignments
Create custom study guides.
Review and fact-check.
Write better papers & essays
Compare and contrast sources.
Create structured outlines.
Streamline group projects
Build a centralized repository.
Collaborate on source analysis and arguments.
Assign tasks and track progress.
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot (sign-in with your App State username and password) is an AI-powered conversational interface that is connected to Microsoft’s search engine and responds to prompts with detailed information and footnotes that link back to original sources on the internet. This service does not use or access Excel, Docs, etc., and is not the same as Microsoft 365 Copilot. Learn more about Microsoft Copilot.
Zoom AI Companion
Zoom AI Companion introduces two new features in Zoom web conferencing: Meeting Summary which generates and shares summaries and next steps from meetings, and In-Meeting Questions which allows real-time queries for clarity without interruptions. Users can manage these features via their Zoom profile settings, toggling them on or off as needed. Learn more about Zoom AI Companion.
Responsibilities
Check course guidelines: Always refer to the course syllabus or consult the instructor for specific AI guidelines.
Review AI content: Verify AI-generated content for accuracy and completeness before sharing.
Cite AI outputs: Always acknowledge the use of generative AI tools.
Read sources: Do not use AI-cited sources without reading them first.
Follow university policies: Ensure compliance with data privacy, academic integrity and responsible communication.
Avoid sharing certain data: Do not enter sensitive or confidential information into AI chat interfaces.
Control Zoom AI features: Manage which AI capabilities are used in meetings and be aware of notifications about active AI features.
Questions
Contact the ITS Academic Technologies team using the Service or Software Request Support Ticket (Object: the service name, i.e. Zoom Web Conferencing).
Find more information on how to access these AI tools, use cases and more in our self-help Knowledge Base.
For faculty and staff, visit Academic Technologies on the ITS website for ongoing learning and development opportunities.
Image of different systems that could have AI components orbiting in a sphere to represent the AI tools available in the App State tech system.
Empowering Education with AI: Secure, Responsible, and Collaborative Tools for App State