Navigating AI
A Student Guide
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world, reshaping education, work, and daily life. This student guide to artificial intelligence at New York Tech is designed to empower students to navigate this new era academically, professionally, and ethically. Understanding AI is not just useful; it is essential.
This guide will help you use AI responsibly, assess its capabilities critically, and participate in shaping its future. This publication is an adaptation from the Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence produced by Elon University and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) in response to global calls for responsible AI education.
Working with AI
Generative AI uses machine learning to analyze prompts, data, and images and generates outputs such as text, voices, pictures, and videos. While AI can mimic human reasoning and problem-solving, it is crucial to remember that AI is not human and does not have emotions or feelings.
AI powers many platforms you use daily, including search engines, streaming services, navigation apps, social media, and virtual assistants, to name a few. Most technology firms are embedding AI capabilities into software like Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Adobe Firefly, and Zoom AI Companion.
Free and paid AI tools are available, and it’s wise to test different models before subscribing to any service. Explore embedded AI features in programs like Word, Excel, Google Docs, PowerPoint, and more.
Experts predict both opportunities and ethical dilemmas:
- Potential for cognitive atrophy due to overreliance on AI
- Challenges in distinguishing between humans and AI personalities
- Opportunities for a new “enlightenment” as AI handles routine tasks
- Rise of AI affinity groups and conscientious objectors
More Resources
The New York Tech community has access to free subscriptions for both The New York Times and LinkedIn Learning.