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Generative AI

A guide to generative AI (artificial intelligence) and its impact on higher education.

Example Prompts for Students

Studying & Understanding Course Material

  1. "Explain [topic] in simple terms as if I’m new to the subject."
  2. "Summarize this article/lecture notes in a way that highlights the main points." (Paste the content)
  3. "Create a study guide for [topic] with key concepts, definitions, and examples."
  4. "Give me a step-by-step breakdown of how [concept/process] works."
  5. "What are common mistakes students make when learning [topic], and how can I avoid them?"

Writing & Research Help

  1. "Generate a thesis statement for an essay about [topic]."
  2. "Help me outline an argumentative essay on [topic] with main points and supporting evidence."
  3. "Rewrite this paragraph to be clearer and more concise." (Paste the paragraph)
  4. "Suggest credible sources or research topics related to [subject]."
  5. "Turn this list of bullet points into a structured paragraph." (Paste the bullet points)

Critical Thinking & Discussions

  1. "What are different perspectives on [controversial topic] and their supporting arguments?"
  2. "How can I challenge my own biases when writing about [issue]?"
  3. "Create a discussion question about [topic] that encourages critical thinking."
  4. "What are real-world applications of [theory/concept]?"
  5. "Explain the pros and cons of [idea, policy, or theory] in a balanced way."

Test & Exam Preparation

  1. "Create a practice quiz with multiple-choice and short-answer questions about [topic]."
  2. "Give me mnemonic devices to help memorize [list of facts or concepts]."
  3. "Simulate a short-answer test response to this question: [insert question]."
  4. "Provide sample answers for a persuasive essay question on [topic]."
  5. "Break down this complex formula or equation step by step."

Group Projects & Presentations

  1. "Suggest an engaging way to present information about [topic] to an audience."
  2. "Help me divide roles and tasks for a group project on [subject]."
  3. "Generate a script for a presentation on [topic] with an introduction, main points, and conclusion."
  4. "Provide constructive feedback on this paragraph/slide to improve clarity and impact." (Paste content)
  5. "How can I make my presentation slides visually appealing and easy to understand?"

Email & Professional Communication

  1. "Write a professional email to my professor asking for an extension on an assignment due to illness."
  2. "Help me draft a polite email requesting feedback on my recent exam."
  3. "Create a LinkedIn summary highlighting my skills in [field] as a student."
  4. "Generate a short thank-you email to a guest speaker who visited my class."
  5. "Write a request to a faculty member asking for a letter of recommendation."

Time Management & Study Strategies

  1. "Create a weekly study schedule for preparing for my final exams."
  2. "How can I manage my time effectively while balancing school, work, and personal life?"
  3. "Suggest productivity techniques to help me focus better while studying."
  4. "Break this big project into smaller, manageable tasks with deadlines."
  5. "What are the best ways to retain information when studying for long periods?"
Accessibility Statement
The University provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities upon request. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for a workshop should contact UMA Libraries at uma.library@maine.edu to submit a request. Due to the lead-time needed to arrange certain accommodations, individuals should submit their request no later 1 week before the event.