AI Literacy

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to machines or software displaying abilities we associate with human intelligence. One formal definition describes AI as “a broad branch of computer science concerned with creating machines that can learn, make decisions, and perform tasks to a human-like level. Advanced AI machines can learn and grow on their own, independent of human intervention. Even basic AI can handle complex tasks that would normally need a human touch but may need the help of a programmer to learn from its mistakes and improve.”​ (Tableau, 2022) In practice, AI encompasses a broad range of technologies and techniques that allow computers to mimic cognitive functions such as perceiving patterns, making decisions, or generating content.

Bear in mind that there is no universally agreed upon definition of "intelligence". 

A timeline of the history of the development of AI from the leading data analytics company Tableau. 

Key AI concepts and terms include:

• Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI where algorithms learn from data. Instead of being explicitly programmed for every task, an ML system trains on examples. For instance, a machine learning model can learn to recognize images of cats by studying thousands of labeled cat photos.

• Neural Networks & Deep Learning: These are ML techniques inspired by the human brain’s networks of neurons. Deep learning uses multi-layered neural networks to learn complex patterns – it’s behind recent advances in image recognition and language translation (e.g., how Siri or Alexa understand speech).

• Natural Language Processing (NLP): The branch of AI that deals with understanding and generating human language. Chatbots like ChatGPT, language translators, and voice assistants rely on NLP to process text or voice input.

• Generative AI: AI systems (often using deep learning) that generate new content. Examples include AI that can produce text, images, or music. These have surged in popularity – for example, ChatGPT generating answers, or image models creating artwork from prompts.

• Predictive AI: AI that uses historical data and patterns to forecast future outcomes or behaviors.

• Discriminative AI: AI that classifies data into certain categories. 

• Large Language Models (LLMs)): AI programs trained on massive datasets to understand and generate human language (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, etc.)

• Hallucination: Output of generative AI that is presented as factual but is not. 

You don’t need to be a computer scientist, but learning how AI works at a high level will help you engage with AI tools more meaningfully. For example, knowing that an AI writing tool predicts text based on patterns in training data can help you understand why it might “hallucinate” incorrect facts.

LLMs in Focus

Large‑language models (LLMs) are very large neural‑network systems trained on trillions of words so they can predict and generate coherent human‑like text. What makes them central to any 2025 conversation about “AI” is their outsized social footprint: public‑facing tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini put LLM capabilities like drafting prose, writing code and image generation into hundreds of millions of hands within two years of release. Because these models offer such powerful capabilities and are the source of much debate on how they should be used in education, this guide foregrounds LLMs throughout. 

Common AI Tools

There are a range of AI tools being developed and entering the market. If you're using AI at Fort Lewis College, it's best to make sure that the tool is recommended by FLC. The linked list of tools is regularly updated by FLC staff. Make sure that AI tools used for assignments are approved by your instructor. 

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot built on OpenAI’s LLMs, such as GPT-3.5 and GPT-4. It can answer questions, help write essays or emails, generate images, summarize text, brainstorm ideas, tutor in various subjects, and even assist with coding. It’s widely used in both academic and personal settings due to its versatility and ease of access via web and mobile platforms. ChatGPT is available in free and subscription-based versions, with paid tiers offering more advanced features.

Claude is a conversational AI developed by Anthropic and powered by a large language model designed with a focus on safety and user-friendly interactions. Like ChatGPT, Claude can assist with writing, summarizing, research, and general questions, but it emphasizes transparency and reliability, making it appealing for users who prioritize ethical AI use. Claude is especially known for handling longer documents and maintaining helpful, clear, and non-biased dialogue.

Microsoft Copilot integrates OpenAI’s LLM technology into Microsoft 365 products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. In addition to functioning as a separate chatbot, Copilot acts as a built-in assistant that helps users draft documents, summarize meetings, write emails, and analyze spreadsheets.

Gemini is Google’s suite of LLMs, previously known as Bard, designed to interact conversationally and integrate with Google’s ecosystem. It supports use cases like answering questions, generating content, generating/editing images, writing code, and offering assistance within tools like Gmail, Docs, and Google Search. 

How LLMs Work (technical)

How LLMs Work (less technical)