Artificial Intelligence

Common AI Terms

Artificial Intelligence (AI)—"The capacity of computers or other machines to exhibit or simulate intelligent behavior." (Oxford English Dictionary, n.d.)

Generative AI—A type of AI technology that generates content such as text, images, audio, and video. Also sometimes referred to as a generator.

Model—An AI software program that has been trained on datasets to perform a specific task.

Large language model (LLM)—A complex model trained on vast amounts of data that generates language that resembles human-generated language. GPT, PaLM, Jurassic, and Claude are examples of LLMs.

Chatbot—A computer program that uses an LLM to simulate a conversation with human users, typically through typed text in a software application.

Machine learning—A technique by which a computer can learn without being directly programmed with rules.

Deep learning—A subset of machine learning inspired by how biological brains are structured. Deep learning uses multiple layers of machine learning for progressively more sophisticated outputs.

Training—This refers to machine learning and deep learning processes used to develop a useful model.

Training data—Labeled data used in the training process to "teach" an AI model or algorithm to make a decision. For example, with an AI model for self-driving vehicles, training data may include images and videos in which traffic signs, pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles, and so on are labeled.

Algorithm—A set of instructions or rules for performing a computation. Developers typically design algorithms used in AI to progressively iterate themselves, which we can consider a form of machine learning.

Alignment—How well an AI model aligns with humans' intended goals or ethical principles. An AI model is considered misaligned if it advances some objectives but not those intended by the human developers (Russell, et al., 2020). 

Beta test—In software development, a beta test is an opportunity for real users to use a product before a general release so that the developers can refine the product.

Prompt—Instructions entered by users to direct an AI generator to generate an output or complete a task.

Ikemoto, K., Diogenes, M., Pickett, S., Yegnashankaran, K., Seligo, C., Weiss, J., Saltarelli, A., Otero, L., Mitchell, J., Fajardo, G., Tekgurler, M., & Young, P. (2023). Artificial intelligence teaching guide. Stanford Teaching Commons, Stanford University, Stanford, CA. https://teachingcommons.stanford.edu/teaching-guides/artificial-intelligence-teaching-guide/defining-ai-and-chatbots 

Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://www.oed.com/?tl=true

Russell, S. J., & Norvig, P. (2020). Artificial intelligence: A modern approach (4th ed.). Pearson. pp. 31–34. ISBN 978-1-292-40113-3. OCLC 1303900751. 

Videos on AI

Kate Tobin, Chris Neighbors, Caitlin Saks, Miles O'Brien, Will Toubman, WGBH, P. G., & Public Broadcasting Service (Producers), & Miles O'Brien (Director). (2024). A.I. Revolution. [Video/DVD] Public Broadcasting Service. Retrieved from https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/a-i-revolution

 Generative AI. . (2023).[Video/DVD] PACKT Publishing. Retrieved from https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/how-to-use-chatgpt-and-generative-ai-to-help-create-content