Provided by The Learning Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 
. Some sections may note UNC resources.
You’ve likely heard of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, or others by now. These tools fall under a broad, encompassing term called generative AI that describes technology that can create new text, images, sounds, video, etc. based on information and examples drawn from the internet. In this tip sheet, we will focus on potential uses and pitfalls of generative AI tools for studying.
If you’re curious more generally about what generative AI is, how it works, and what role prompting plays in the process, you can look at the modules in Carolina AI Literacy, the UNC Libraries’ Student Guide to AI Literacy, and the Writing Center’s handout on “Generative AI in Academic Writing.”
Instructors’ opinions on the use of AI tools may vary dramatically from one class to the next, so don’t assume that all your instructors will think alike on this topic. Consult each syllabus for guidance or requirements related to the use of AI tools. If you have questions about if/how/when it may be appropriate to use generative AI for studying, be sure to seek input from your instructor.
Note that when your instructors authorize the use of generative AI tools, they will likely assume that these tools may help you think, write, or do calculations—not think, write, or do entire calculations for you. Keep that principle in mind whenever you use AI for study purposes of whatever kind. You can maintain your academic integrity and employ the tools with the same high ethical standards that you apply to every area of your academic work.
Acquainting yourself with these AI tools may be important as your thinking and study skills grow. While generative AI is new and still under development, it may prove useful for you to understand in your current academic life and in your career after you leave the university. Beginning to experiment with and develop an understanding of AI tools at this stage may serve you well along the way.
Note: This tip sheet was updated in September 2024. Generative AI technology is evolving quickly. We will update the document as the technology and university landscapes change.