What is AI?
Artificial intelligence is defined as the capability of computer systems or algorithms to imitate human behavior. These systems learn from data, adapt to new information, and make decisions based on patterns. In a college context, AI can enhance learning experiences, automate processes, and drive innovation across a variety of subject areas.
AI Tools Currently Available Through BC
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered tool integrated into various Microsoft applications such as Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. It assists users by providing intelligent suggestions, automating repetitive tasks, and enhancing productivity. Using advanced AI models, Copilot can help draft content, generate insights from data, create presentations, manage emails, and more.
Adobe Firefly
Adobe Firefly is a family of creative, generative AI models developed by Adobe to enhance creativity and streamline design processes. These models are integrated into Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, enabling users to generate high-quality images, effects, and text-based content with simple text prompts. Adobe Firefly leverages advanced machine learning techniques to assist artists, designers, and content creators in producing unique and customizable visuals quickly and easily. As a standalone web application, Firefly is available to members of the college community as part of the Creative Cloud suite.
Zoom AI Companion
The Zoom AI Companion, formerly known as Zoom IQ, is an intelligent assistant integrated into the Zoom platform. It leverages artificial intelligence to enhance virtual meetings and collaborations by providing features such as automated meeting summaries, real-time transcription, action item tracking, and smart meeting insights.
AI Glossary of Terms
- Algorithm: a process or set of rules that tell computers and software applications how to learn to perform tasks, make decisions, and analyze data independently
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn
- Bias and Variance: concepts in machine learning that describe the errors from the model. Bias is error from overly simplistic assumptions, while variance is error from sensitivity to small fluctuations in the training set.
- Big Data: large and complex data sets that traditional data-processing software cannot deal with adequately
- Chatbot: a software application or web interface designed to mimic human conversation through text or voice interactions
- ChatGPT: an AI chatbot that uses natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to generate a response; created by OpenAI and trained on a large amount of text and code data to produce relevant responses
- Deep Learning (DL): a type of machine learning that uses neural networks with many layers (deep networks) to analyze various factors of data
- Generative AI: a type of AI that uses deep learning models to create new content based on patters in existing data; can be trained to learn a variety of subjects, including human and programming languages
- Large Language Model (LLM): an advanced AI system capable of understanding and generating human-like text by leveraging patterns learned from extensive datasets
- Machine Learning (ML): a subset of AI that allows computers to learn from data and make decisions without being explicitly programmed to do so
- Neural Network: A series of algorithms that attempt to recognize underlying relationships in a set of data through a process that mimics the way the human brain operates
- Prompt Engineering: the process of designing inputs or prompts for generative AI tools to produce desired outputs