AI Overview, Tools & Training

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence refers to technologies that can analyze information, identify patterns, generate content, and assist with tasks that often require human judgment. Generative AI tools can create or revise text, summarize information, produce images, write code, generate ideas, and support planning or analysis.

Examples of generative AI tools include Microsoft Copilot Chat, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other tools that respond to prompts. These systems generate outputs based on patterns learned from large collections of data. They can be useful, but their responses may be inaccurate, incomplete, biased, outdated, or fabricated. Human review remains essential.

What can AI help with?

  • Brainstorming ideas and organizing information.
  • Summarizing long documents or notes.
  • Drafting, revising, and editing text.
  • Creating study questions, examples, practice activities, or outlines.
  • Analyzing patterns in data or survey comments.
  • Planning projects, meetings, workflows, or communications.
  • Learning new concepts or exploring unfamiliar topics.

Responsible AI use checklist

  • Check whether AI use is allowed for the task, course, assignment, or workplace context.
  • Do not enter confidential, sensitive, regulated, or personally identifiable information unless the tool is approved for that data and you are authorized to use it.
  • Be transparent about AI use when disclosure is required by an instructor, supervisor, publisher, or policy.
  • Verify important facts, sources, calculations, quotations, and claims before relying on AI output.
  • Use AI to support your thinking, not to replace your responsibility for the final work.
  • Keep human judgment at the center, especially for high-stakes, sensitive, or judgment-heavy decisions.

AI Tools

UNT Dallas supports Microsoft Copilot Chat through the university’s Microsoft 365 environment. Users should sign in with their UNT Dallas credentials when using supported Microsoft AI tools. When you log in with your UNT Dallas account, it provides enterprise data protection, meaning your conversations are never used to train AI models and are protected within Microsoft's security boundary.

Directions for accessing Copilot Chat

Other AI tools may be useful, but users are responsible for following applicable course, workplace, privacy, and data-security guidance .

AI Training Resources

Below is a set of optional resources to support the continued development of your AI expertise. Some of these are primarily text-based, others are videos, and the modules have built-in exercises and, in some cases, quizzes. In some cases, you may need to set up an account, though all these resources are free. Times to read, view, or complete are approximate.

AI Demystified: Introduction to AI — Stanford University (10 min.)

This site provides a brief introduction to AI and an extensive list of definitions.

Introduction to Copilot — Microsoft (28 min.)

In this module you will explore the intricacies of Copilot, gaining insights into its functionality and how to implement AI responsibly and ethically.

Enhancing Teaching and Learning with Copilot — Microsoft (70 min.)

In this module you will learn to leverage Copilot Chat, exploring practical strategies, prompt design tips, and responsible AI practices to personalize instruction, create engaging materials, and critically evaluate AI-generated content.

AI Fluency with Claude for Education — Anthropic (37 min.)

In this module you will learn to apply the 4D Framework (delegation, description, discernment, diligence), using AI to enhance course design, create coherent learning materials, and develop authentic assessments while modeling responsible AI collaboration for your students.

Foundations of AI with ChatGPT — OpenAI (60 min.)

In this module you will learn how to use AI safely and effectively by understanding how large language models (LLMs) work, their limits, and how to direct them through clear prompting, structure, and reflection.

Introduction to Gemini for Educators — Google (15 min.)

In this set of videos and exercises you will be introduced to the uses of AI for instructional design and have the opportunity to apply what you have learned.

Gemini Faculty Fundamentals — Google (±2 min. each)

In this series of videos, you will learn about three areas of AI use: modeling the use of AI as a thought partner to students to explain complex concepts and visualize data; designing assignments that move students from seeking a speedy answer toward iterative, grounded learning; and automating administrative tasks and research syntheses to reclaim time for high-value instruction.

Connecting AI to Historical Notions of Wisdom — Elon University (15 min.)

In this series of slides, you will explore connections between AI and philosophers, theorists, and other prominent thinkers.