Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. AI is at work in applications we use everyday, including the speech recognition used by Google translate, Siri, and Alexa, the natural language processing used by search engines like Google, and the predictive text used for autocomplete and smart compose.
Generative AI (GenAI) is “a type of artificial intelligence that involves creating machines or computer programs that can generate new content, such as images, text, or music. Unlike traditional AI systems that rely on predefined rules or pre-existing data to make decisions, generative AI models use algorithms and neural networks to learn patterns and relationships in data and generate new outputs based on that learning” (Kwantlen Polytechnic University, n.d., p. 1).
Kwantlen Polytechnic University. (n.d.). Generative AI: An Overview for Teaching and Learning. https://tinyurl.com/4etx244v
As many of us have come to use the term AI to refer to generative AI tools, throughout this guide you will find the following terms used interchangeably: AI, Generative AI, GenAI
Many different types of generative AI can create text, images, sound, video, and more. The following information describes common types of generative AI and includes examples of tools.
Text-based generative AI tools create new text similar to the data they were trained on. The training process for these AI chatbots involves consuming large amounts of text from data from webpages, books, and other sources, then analyzing the text to find patterns and relationships in human language. Because of this training process, these tools are commonly referred to as Large Language Models (LLMs). They use probability to predict which words should appear in sequence. As Stephen Wolfram explained, “it’s just saying things that ‘sound right’ based on what things ‘sounded like’ in its training material.”
This type of AI learns through analyzing datasets of images with captions or text descriptions. If it knows what two different concepts are, like a cat and a skateboard, it can merge those concepts together when prompted to create an image of a cat on a skateboard.
AI music generators analyze music tracks and metadata (artist name, album title, genre, year song was released, associated playlists) to identify patterns and features in particular music genres. They may also be trained on song lyrics. If a music generator has only been exposed to one type of music (e.g., classical), then the music it generates will sound similar to those works.
Creating a video typically requires the use of audio, visual, and text elements. Some generative AI video programs have harvested existing videos to learn how to create new ones, while others have sourced the three elements to create video from audio, visual, and text sources. There are even generative AI video programs that have been trained to use video editing software, so they can apply effects to a video that you have created, such as adding captions, transitions, and animations.
Some generative AI tools can automate parts of the research process and make long, complex texts easier to decipher. This type of AI often analyzes research papers that users upload to extract key information or summarize a paper.
Note: Many of these tools cost money to use or to access premium features, like more recent content and faster processing speeds. However, in some cases you can create a basic account for free or explore the tool with a short-term trial.
Telus International. (2024). 50 AI terms every beginner should know. https://www.telusinternational.com/insights/ai-data/article/50-beginner-ai-terms-you-should-know
Dev Explain. (2023, March 8). What is Artificial Intelligence? AI Explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFJAnNdDVF0
The Royal Institution. (2023, October 12). What is generative AI and how does it work? – The Turing Lectures with Mirella Lapata [Video]. YouTube. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6R7Ym6Vy_I&t=2s
Artificial Intelligence by Mount Royal University Library is licensed under a CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence. Using Generative AI by University of Alberta Library is licensed under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 licence.
