Mastering Skills Ethically: A Student’s Guide
As technology advances to new heights it becomes more important to remain up-to-date and skilled with all the new developments.
The recent boom in AI technology leaves most people in the dark on the ability of the technology and the practical applications.
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
Stan Lee
Some popular AI Tools are:
ChatBots:
A chatbot, short for “chat robot,” is a computer program or artificial intelligence (AI) application designed to simulate human conversation through text or voice interactions. Chatbots are often used to interact with users in a conversational manner, responding to their questions, providing information, or assisting with tasks.
Conversational Interface: Chatbots communicate with users in a conversational style, either through text-based messages (e.g., in chat windows or messaging apps) or through voice-based interactions (e.g., on phone calls or smart speakers).
Artificial Intelligence: Many modern chatbots use artificial intelligence and natural language processing (NLP) techniques to understand and generate human language. This allows them to interpret user input and provide contextually relevant responses.
Tasks and Functions: Chatbots can be designed for various purposes, such as customer support, answering frequently asked questions, providing recommendations, scheduling appointments, and more. They can perform both simple and complex tasks.
Chatbots do have limitations (like no internet access or a limited database), and should be seen as imperfect tools that can produce incorrect response. Always check the results you receive through searching and checking at least a few extra resources (like Google Search or textbooks etc.)
Chatbot examples:
By searching for the following key words, ChatGPT produced this response:
EXAMPLE 1: Schedule help
Search Terms:
Plan my homework schedule for this afternoon from 4.30pm - 9.30pm. I have to write an English essay, complete my math homework, research photosynthesis for biology, and learn elements 1-20 for chemistry. ChatGPT Response:
Creating a homework schedule depends on your personal preferences and study habits, but here's a suggested plan for you from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm:
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: English Essay
Start with your English essay since it might require more creativity and focus.
Set a timer for 1 hour, during which you'll brainstorm ideas, create an outline, and write as much as you can.
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Short Break
Take a 30-minute break to recharge.
Stretch, grab a snack, or do something enjoyable for a short while.
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Math Homework
Shift your focus to math homework.
Dedicate an hour to working on math problems or assignments.
7:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Dinner Break
Take a break to have dinner and relax.
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Chemistry (Elements 1-20)
Start learning elements 1-20 for chemistry.
Use flashcards, mnemonic devices, or any preferred study method.
8:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Short Break
Take a 30-minute break to rest and clear your mind.
9:00 pm - 9:30 pm: Biology (Photosynthesis)
Finally, research and study about photosynthesis for biology.
Take notes and make sure to understand the key concepts.
Remember to adjust this schedule based on your personal pace and preferences. Stay focused during your dedicated study times, and make sure to take short breaks to avoid burnout. Also, consider setting specific goals for each study session, like completing a certain portion of your homework or studying a specific section of the chemistry elements. Good luck with your homework!EXAMPLE 2: Homework topic help
Search Terms:
I need help with understanding photosynthesis. I am at year 12 level. Can you explain how chloroplasts and chlorophyll works? Describe any key structures that I would need to learn and add in some questions that I can practice. ChatGPT Response:
Certainly! Photosynthesis is a vital process that occurs in green plants, algae, and some bacteria, and it's responsible for converting sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose. Let's break down the key components of photosynthesis, including chloroplasts and chlorophyll:
1. Chloroplasts: Chloroplasts are the cellular organelles where photosynthesis takes place. They are found in the cells of green plant tissues, primarily in the leaves, and are responsible for capturing light energy and converting it into chemical energy. Chloroplasts have several important structures:
Thylakoid Membranes: Inside the chloroplasts, there are stacks of flattened sacs called thylakoids. These membranes contain pigments, including chlorophyll, which are essential for capturing light energy.
Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in the thylakoid membranes. It plays a central role in photosynthesis by absorbing light energy from the sun.
Stroma: The stroma is the fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoid membranes. It contains enzymes and molecules required for the second stage of photosynthesis, known as the Calvin cycle.
2. Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis, and there are two main types: chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b. These pigments absorb light in different parts of the visible spectrum, which allows plants to capture a broader range of light energy.
Chlorophyll-a: This pigment absorbs light most efficiently in the red and blue regions of the spectrum, but it reflects green light, giving plants their characteristic green color.
Chlorophyll-b: This pigment complements chlorophyll-a by absorbing light in the blue and red-orange regions of the spectrum.
The process of photosynthesis can be summarized in two main stages:
1. Light-dependent reactions: These reactions take place in the thylakoid membranes and involve the capture of light energy by chlorophyll and other pigments. The energy is used to convert water into oxygen and high-energy molecules (ATP and NADPH).
2. Calvin cycle (Light-independent reactions): These reactions occur in the stroma of the chloroplasts. ATP and NADPH generated in the light-dependent reactions are used to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through a series of enzyme-controlled reactions.
Now, here are some practice questions to help you solidify your understanding of photosynthesis:
What is the main function of chloroplasts in photosynthesis?
Explain the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis and how it captures light energy.
What are the two main types of chlorophyll, and what is their significance in photosynthesis?
Where do the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur, and what is their primary outcome?
Describe the location and function of the stroma in chloroplasts.
Outline the two stages of photosynthesis and briefly explain what happens in each.
How does photosynthesis contribute to the oxygen content in the Earth's atmosphere?
If a plant is exposed to light that is predominantly green, what would you expect to happen to its photosynthesis rate? Why?
What is the Calvin cycle, and what is its role in photosynthesis?
How do plants utilize the glucose produced during photosynthesis?
Feel free to ask for more clarification on any of these questions or any other aspects of photosynthesis you'd like to explore further!EXAMPLE 3: Homework topic help
Search Terms:
I need a plan my studies to improve my GPA this exam period. Can you
create a simple to follow weekly time planner (include a data table for
it - Sunday to Saturday). Add in some helpful tips on how I can improve
my focus during the day. Include simple meal suggestions with food items
that can boost my learning during exam periods. ChatGPT Result:
Certainly! Here's a simple weekly study plan to help you improve your GPA during the exam period. I'll include a table for you to fill in with your specific study schedule. Additionally, I'll provide some tips for improving focus and meal suggestions to boost your learning.
Weekly Study Plan (was tabulated!):
Time Slot Activity
Sunday
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Study Subject 1 (with breaks)
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Study Subject 2 (with breaks)
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Review and revise Subject 1
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Review and revise Subject 2
Monday
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Practice problems for Subject 1
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Practice problems for Subject 2
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Study Subject 3 (with breaks)
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Review and revise Subject 3
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Study Subject 1 (with breaks)
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Study Subject 2 (with breaks)
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Review and revise Subject 1
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Review and revise Subject 2
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Practice problems for Subject 1
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Practice problems for Subject 2
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Study Subject 3 (with breaks)
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Review and revise Subject 3
Thursday
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Study Subject 1 (with breaks)
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Study Subject 2 (with breaks)
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Review and revise Subject 1
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Review and revise Subject 2
Friday
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Practice problems for Subject 1
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Practice problems for Subject 2
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Study Subject 3 (with breaks)
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Review and revise Subject 3
Saturday
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Take a practice exam for Subject 1
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Take a practice exam for Subject 2
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Take a practice exam for Subject 3
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Review practice exams and identify weaknesses
Tips to Improve Focus:
Create a Dedicated Study Space: Find a quiet and comfortable place to study regularly. Keep it organized and free from distractions.
Set Specific Goals: Break down your study sessions into specific goals. This makes it easier to stay focused and track progress.
Use the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25-30 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle. It helps maintain concentration.
Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one subject or task at a time. Multitasking can reduce your productivity.
Stay Hydrated and Take Short Walks: Dehydration can affect cognitive function. Drink water and take short walks to refresh your mind.
Meal Suggestions to Boost Learning:
Breakfast: Eggs (rich in protein and brain-boosting nutrients), whole-grain toast, and a fruit smoothie (with berries for antioxidants).
Lunch: Grilled chicken or tofu salad with leafy greens, nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing (provides energy without a heavy feeling).
Snack: Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts (packed with protein and healthy fats).
Dinner: Baked salmon (rich in omega-3 fatty acids), quinoa, and steamed broccoli (nutrient-rich and brain-boosting).
Snack: Carrots and hummus (provides a healthy balance of carbs and protein).
Remember to adjust this plan to your specific needs, and ensure you get enough sleep and exercise to support your overall well-being. Good luck with your exams!Image Generators:
AI image generators are computer programs or systems that use artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to generate images. These algorithms can create images from scratch or modify existing images to produce new and often imaginative visual content. AI image generators have gained popularity for various creative and practical applications.
There are several AI image generators available, including:
1. DeepArt: This tool uses deep learning algorithms to transform your photos into unique artworks inspired by famous artists.
2. DeepDream: Developed by Google, DeepDream uses neural networks to generate surreal and dream-like images based on your input.
3. Runway ML: This software allows you to create and manipulate images using AI models. You can generate realistic faces, create animations, or apply various artistic styles to your photos.
4. ArtBreeder: This platform lets you combine and evolve images using AI. You can create new artworks by blending multiple images together and adjusting various parameters.
5. DALL-E: Created by OpenAI, DALL-E is a language model that generates images from textual descriptions. It can generate unique and creative images based on specific prompts.
6. StyleGAN: This deep learning model is capable of generating high-quality and realistic images. It can learn and mimic the style of different artists or create entirely novel images. Note that some of these tools may require technical knowledge or programming skills to use effectively.
Image AI examples:
Search terms:
Artistic image garden landscape that contains flower bloom ultra realistic 
Search terms:
Artistic image of space with a blue hue and ultra realistic landscape
Search terms:
Neurons forming memory synapse
Midjourney (requires Discord)
Video Generators:
AI video generators are systems that use artificial intelligence algorithms to generate videos. These systems can create new videos by analyzing existing footage, images, or text and synthesizing new visual content.
There are different types of AI video generators available, each with its own capabilities and applications. Some generators use deep learning techniques to learn from large datasets of videos and create new videos that mimic the style and content of the training data. These generators can be used to create realistic-looking videos of people, landscapes, or objects.
Other video generators use text-to-video synthesis, where they generate videos based on textual descriptions or scripts. These systems can take a written description of a scene and automatically generate a video that represents that description.
This technology has applications in entertainment, video creation, and virtual reality. AI video generators can also be used for video editing and manipulation. They can automatically remove or replace specific objects or people in a video, change the background, or apply special effects. This can save time and effort in post-production tasks, making video editing more efficient.
Video AI examples:
Top uses of ChatGPT for school work:
ChatGPT is a powerful AI tool that can empower your learning, but it’s essential to use it responsibly and ethically. Here’s how to strategically make the most of it while ensuring you’re not using it to cheat:
- Understand the Purpose: Use this service as a valuable resource for gaining knowledge, clarifying concepts, and seeking guidance. It’s meant to assist your learning journey, not replace it.
- Active Learning: Approach our service with an active learning mindset. Seek explanations, insights, and examples to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.
- Problem-Solving Practice: Use our service to practice problem-solving and critical thinking. Instead of asking for direct answers, ask for guidance on how to approach and solve problems independently.
- Research and Inspiration: When working on projects or assignments, use this service to gather ideas and perspectives. Always cite your sources to give credit where it’s due. As great as AI tools are, you still need to sight original resources (and no you can’t ask ChatGPT to do this because it hasn’t mastered the referencing skill-set yet!)
- Time Management: Allocate a reasonable amount of time for using this service. Don’t rely solely on it; balance it with independent study and classroom participation.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: When seeking assistance, ask questions that promote a deeper understanding of the topic. Avoid questions that aim solely to get quick answers.
- Homework Aid, Not Replacement: Use this service to overcome challenging homework or assignments, but don’t make it a substitute for your own effort. The goal is to learn and develop mastery, not just to complete tasks with ChatGPT’s Mastery!
- Honor Academic Integrity: Always abide by your school’s code of ethics and academic integrity policies. Using this service to cheat or plagiarize is not only unethical but can lead to severe consequences now and in the future.
- Practice Self-Assessment: Regularly test your knowledge independently to gauge your progress and identify areas where you need improvement.
- Feedback and Collaboration: Share feedback with your peers, teachers, and parents about how this service has positively impacted your learning journey. Encourage responsible use among your classmates.
Conclusions:
With your new found knowledge it is up to you to decide how you will use AI technology to empower your learning. The most important idea to remember is that AI is a tool, and it should not replace you when it comes to developing your learning skill-sets.
When tools are first released they are often received with skepticism (e.g. when the internet was first released in the early 1990’s it wasn’t well received by everyone, and yet now the world is dependent on it!).
AI will take a similar path, with phases of public acceptance and rejection, but in the end, those with the skill-set that is mastery of AI tools will have an edge over those that resist learning how to use the technology (sounds a lot like the internet!).