AI tools are changing how we approach tasks, solve problems, and create, offering support for everything from data analysis to creative projects. Here, you’ll find tools available to support a range of needs and skill levels.

Please note: For the best experience and security, we recommend using Ball State’s AI tools, which are designed in partnership with Google to protect your data and privacy. If you choose to use external AI tools, be mindful of what you share. Avoid uploading sensitive, personal, or confidential information to ensure your safety. Always review the terms and privacy policies of third-party platforms before use.

AI Tools for Beginners

Gemini is Google’s AI-powered assistant that can help you with writing, planning, learning, and more. You can chat with Gemini just like you chat with students, faculty, and staff through software and apps like Canvas, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.

To learn more about Gemini, how to use it within other Google tools like Gmail and Sheets, and to receive the best responses when prompting, check out this video!

 

When trying Gemini for the first time, we want you to have fun! Consider trying these prompts:

  • Write me a poem about Ball State
  • Plan a weekend getaway to Muncie, Indiana
  • Give me an easy dinner party menu for 8 people

Chat with Google Gemini

Firefly is Adobe’s AI-powered tool that can generate images based on your descriptions, making it a powerful resource for creative projects. Use FireFly to create images, imagine photos, and produce new art. To learn more about FireFly, try this tutorial to get started.

Level up with Adobe Express

Adobe Express is a user-friendly web and mobile-based tool for creators to design high-quality images, videos, and other digital works without requiring advanced design knowledge. If you are ready to start creating with Express, check out this video to learn more about what is available!

Ready to practice with Express and FireFly?

Consider trying these prompts:

  • Make me a photo of a dog riding a bike
  • Create a cardinal flying towards a tree
  • Generate a photo of a student reading a book in a library

Try Adobe Firefly Try Adobe Express

Cardinal DocuQuery is a Ball State-created AI tool built with Google AI technologies. However, it is contained within a private AI cloud, exclusive to Ball State University. As a result, you can use Cardinal DocuQuery to summarize, answer questions, and create new content from documents you upload without worrying about exposing your work to the wider internet. This is a great way to streamline your workload and save yourself time.

Upload a document to DocuQuery and then try these prompts (as applicable):

  • Summarize the key points of this document
  • What are the main arguments presented in this document?
  • Outline the due dates in this document
  • Create a bullet point list of the main findings
  • Extract the contact information from this document

Try Cardinal DocuQuery

AI Tools for Advanced Users

Cardinal DocuQuery is a Ball State-created AI tool built with Google AI technologies. However, it is contained within a private AI cloud, exclusive to Ball State University. As a result, you can use Cardinal DocuQuery to summarize, answer questions, and create new content from documents you upload without worrying about exposing your work to the wider internet. This is a great way to streamline your workload and save yourself time.

Upload a document to DocuQuery and then try these prompts (as applicable):

  • Summarize the key points of this document
  • What are the main arguments presented in this document?
  • Outline the due dates in this document
  • Create a bullet point list of the main findings
  • Extract the contact information from this document

Try Cardinal DocuQuery

Need space to build and test your ideas? CloudLab allows you to request access to Ball State's Google Cloud Platform, giving you a secure environment to develop projects and explore cloud computing.

CloudLab should be used by technically advanced students, faculty, and staff who know about cloud computing and need a significant amount of computing power to complete projects. Submit a request to get your own space on Cloud Lab and start developing a project—like setting up a data analysis environment or experimenting with machine learning tools.

Try CloudLab

GrantsAI searches major grant databases to find funding opportunities that match your research interests. It can also connect you with other faculty members at Ball State who share similar research goals.

Type in your research area, such as “environmental science,” and let GrantsAI find potential grants and collaborators for you.

Try GrantsAI