AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT simulate human decision making by analyzing data and recognizing patterns to predict a logical answer. AI responses to user prompts are based on available data and the most probable answer.
Users should evaluate all AI responses for accuracy. AI responses are inherently biased based on the data the AI tool can access. AI tools are designed to give you an answer, even if the answer is inaccurate. This can lead to “hallucinations” or false information, either because the AI lacks the appropriate training data, or incorrectly analyzes information.
While concerns exist, AI tools also bring new opportunities to higher education and the VSC. Benefits include pathways for personalized learning and the automation of time-consuming administrative tasks in teaching and learning. Educause, known for advancing post-secondary pedagogy through the use of IT, provides resources we can use to assess potential applications for AI tools in our work and study.
VSC-Supported AI Tools: Copilot
The VSC has approved the use of Copilot AI for VSC faculty, staff, and students. The free version of Copilot is a robust AI tool for image creation and general chat. It is available to VSC users by navigating to https://copilot.microsoft.com and logging in with the same VSC username (username@vsc.edu) and password used for email and other VSC tools.
Copilot Pro requires a monthly subscription purchased through Microsoft. It takes advantage of all the benefits of the free version, and it integrates with Microsoft 365 apps. Copilot Pro assists users with everyday tasks such as writing emails, creating spreadsheets, building presentations, summarizing data, and providing insights.
IT is working with CCV and VTSU to establish funding support for Copilot Pro licenses. To acquire the enhanced features of Copilot Pro please submit a ticket in ServiceDesk. Be sure to provide details of how you will use Copilot Pro to improve the productivity of your work and the collaborative work of your team, department, or group.
How VSC Copilot AI Users Stay Safe
VSC Copilot users will benefit from built-in commercial data AI protection. In other words, the information VSC users enter into Copilot is not shared beyond the organization.
VSC AI users should be mindful that Copilot for Office 365 allows them to analyze any VSC document they have access to, including those shared across VSC groups in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams. VSC users should carefully determine who needs access to any documents they store on these VSC platforms and choose the appropriate storage location accordingly.
Using Other AI Tools
There are many other AI tools, and many of these are free. As AI uses data entered by its users to expand its knowledge, VSC AI users will need to use these free tools with discretion. Safety-minded AI users should never enter their social security number, Colleague ID, date of birth, physical address, or other private, confidential, or privileged information. A Draft AI Policy is now available on the VSC Support Site, providing guidance for VSC AI users and a pathway for communicating feedback to leadership.
VSC-approved AI tools, like Copilot, must pass a security review by VSC Shared Services. To use other paid and locally installed AI tools, VSC personnel can submit requests in ServiceDesk. This process ensures the AI tool is safe to use and properly supported.
Additional AI Resources
2024 Educause AI Landscape Study
Online Learning Consortium Framework for AI Study
2024 Educause Horizon Report: Teaching and Learning Edition
VSCS Retreat on Artifical Intelligence – August 8, 2024
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