Embarking on your journey into Artificial Intelligence (AI) can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the field. At Ball State University, we're here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and informed as you explore AI's potential. The resources in this section will supply the building blocks needed to dive deeper into these tools and begin implementing them into your classrooms, lives, and workspaces.
AI is transforming how we create, learn, and innovate, opening new doors across disciplines and industries. Whether you're curious about AI’s potential, looking to integrate it into your work, or aiming to build foundational knowledge, this page is designed as your starting point.
AI Guidelines
AI technologies have a profound impact on education, research, and the daily lives of the students, faculty, and staff at Ball State University. While we are optimistic about AI, we understand that these technologies bring their own sets of challenges and must be appropriately addressed. Visit our AI Guidelines page to understand our commitment and your responsibilities for AI.
Understanding AI
AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. It's a tool that can enhance various aspects of our lives, from simplifying daily tasks to driving innovation in numerous fields.
Before diving deeper into the following resources, check out this video, which offers an overview of what generative artificial intelligence is, how it works, and receive answers to concerns you may have.
Glossary of AI Terms
Before you try AI for yourself, we recommend exploring our Glossary of AI Terms. This document will help you navigate the essential language of AI and ensure you feel confident using various AI tools. From machine learning (ML) to neural networks, we break down the terminology to help you better understand and communicate about AI.
GLOSSARY OF AI TERMS
Tools
We recognize that starting with AI might seem daunting, but rest assured, you're not alone. Ball State offers a range of resources tailored for beginners.
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.
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
NotebookLM is a powerful research and writing tool developed by Google that can summarize, answer questions, and create new content from documents you upload. This is a great way to streamline your workload and save yourself time. Plus, with NotebookLM’s secure environment, your work will be protected and will not be used to train future models.
Log in with your Ball State credentials, upload a document, 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 NOTEBOOKLM
Microsoft Copilot is an AI companion built into Microsoft 365 applications. With Copilot, you can streamline everyday tasks, like drafting documents, analyzing data, and managing projects, without interrupting your workflow.
- Copilot in Word helps you draft and revise content, saving time on writing tasks.
- Copilot in Excel simplifies complex data analysis by automating formulas and generating insights.
- Copilot in PowerPoint assists in creating visually compelling presentations from an existing file or a simple prompt with AI-driven design suggestions.
- Copilot in Teams enhances collaboration by summarizing discussions and streamlining project management.
Next time you utilize a Microsoft application, look for the Copilot button to explore its features.
TRY COPILOT
Starting with AI is a learning process, and it's okay to take it one step at a time. Begin by exploring the tools mentioned above, work through beginner-friendly courses and resources, and don't hesitate to reach out for support. Remember, the goal is to enhance your learning and creativity with AI, and we're here to help you succeed.
Training and Courses for Beginners
Discover training opportunities tailored to every skill level. From workshops to tutorials, we provide guidance to help you harness the power of generative AI effectively.
AI for Everyone - This course from Coursera allows users to explore creating projects through AI tools, implementing AI into our society and workplaces, and helpful resources and videos to learn the beginner basics of artificial intelligence.
Learning Time - 6 hours
Generative AI for Beginners - Using this Udemy Course, learners will move from beginner to experienced and understanding users. Participate in this course to gain insights on prompting, ethical considerations, and more.
Learning Time - 3.5 hours
Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path - Google Cloud provides a comprehensive training for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and usage of AI tools. This course is a great fit for beginners who are interested in spending time on topics like prompting, large language models, and applying principles for responsible AI usage.
Learning Time - 8+ hours
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? - Chatbots and image generators are just the tipping point when it comes to AI, but it can be a bit overwhelming. As a new users, check out this article which explains to an audience of new users how artificial intelligence works, provides definitions, and sets you up for success in real-world applications.Generative AI in a Nutshell - New users can take away key points about how AI works, how it is trained, and the different types of models users may encounter.
Most Popular Ted Talks about AI (Playlist) - Dive into one of the most buzzed-about topics of the year with these must-watch TED Talks on AI, showcasing groundbreaking advancements and thought-provoking perspectives on the future of this world-changing innovation.
Introduction to Gen AI with Udemy - Take advantage of Udemy’s Learning Paths to check out this resource which brings content together from a wide variety of Udemy courses to ensure beginning learners are gaining foundations before moving forward to implementation.