Research and Course Guides: 10 Step AI Challenge: Step 2: AI and Writing

Step 2: AI and Writing

Welcome to Step 2 of the Clemson Libraries AI Challenge!

This challenge is meant to help you learn about the generative AI tools that can be used to assist with writing projects. Writing projects could include essays, emails, outlines, or cover letters for jobs!

Challenge: Try Writing with AI

Using one of the AI text generation tools listed below to craft a professional email to a company of your choice explaining why you would be the best person to hire based on a list of your three best characteristics.

OR

Complete the "Write an Email" portion of the Gen AI Choose Your Own Adventure

The Tools

ChatGPT (OpenAI)
ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI, designed to understand and generate human-like text based on the input it receives, offering conversational capabilities and assistance across various tasks and domains. Should not be used to enter student information protected by FERPA.
Copilot (Microsoft)
(formerly Bing Chat) Microsoft Copilot is a chatbot based on a large language model and able to cite sources, create poems, and write both lyrics and music for songs generated by its Suno AI plugin. It is Microsoft’s primary replacement for the discontinued Cortana. (Wikipedia) When Clemson users are logged in, personal data is protected through Commercial Data Protection (CDP); however, the web version is not FERPA or HIPPA compliant
Grok
Chatbot developed by xAI and is an initiative of Elon Musk. For more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grok_(chatbot)
grammarly
Work with an AI writing partner that helps you find the words you need⁠—⁠to write that tricky email, to get your point across, to keep your work moving. Clemson students, faculty and staff have access to Grammarly Premium. Grammarly for Education is FERPA compliant. (https://ccit.clemson.edu/support/faculty-staff/software/grammarly-premium/)

Reflect

Consider whether or not it is appropriate for you to use an AI tool for your writing project.
What are limitations to the use of AI in writing?
What are the strengths?

Learn more:

Article & Books

Read about creating effective AI prompts from Harvard: Getting Started with Prompts for Text-Based Generative AI Tools
Here are some Tips and Tricks for Prompt Writing from Columbia University

Clemson Resources

AI In Academic Writing - Clemson's Writing Lab

Preparing for the next challenge:

Congratulations! You've completed Step 2 of the AI Challenge! You should be familiar with tools that can help you with text generation.

How did you like using the AI tool to create a professional email? What worked well? What could you have done differently?

10 Step AI Challenge

Research Librarian & AI Literacy Coordinator

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