Useful AI Tools

I used AI tools to help write this article. The above image was created in Midjourney.

“AI is a field of computer science that builds ‘smart’ machines capable of doing things that usually require a human brain. Instead of just following a strict list of rules, AI “learns” from massive amounts of data to recognize patterns, solve problems, and even create new things — like a student who learns by looking at a million examples rather than just reading one textbook.”
(Definition from Gemini)

Useful Tools

There are many AI tools that you can use to complete different tasks. In the past week, I have used several AI tools to help me learn and explore concepts, enhance my writing, create artwork and edit photos. The following image was an AI creation using Canva AI.

The tools I use most often are:

ChatGPT – a General Assistant that searches the web, summarizes results, composes emails and articles and improves my writing.

Gemini – a Multi-Modal Assistant that searches the web, but also researches and summarizes any content you give it, and creates images, graphics and video from text prompts. You can integrate Gemini with Google Workspace to summarize your emails and other tasks.

Midjourney – an Image Generator that creates beautiful images and videos from text prompts.

NotebookLM – a Research Assistant that summarizes documents, PDFs, and transcripts. It also creates study guides or mind maps. A Google AI tool.

Generative AI is also integrated into other programs. For example, I use generative AI tools in Adobe Photoshop CC to edit photos. It can remove distractions, replace backgrounds, add new elements, and expand images.

Examples

In the past week, I used NotebookLM to help summarize a 90 minute Zoom session on Faith and Photography. I uploaded a video of the session and asked NotebookLM to summarize it. I then instructed NotebookLM to create a Mind Map of the session. Both results were accurate and extremely helpful.

I used Midjourney to create several images to use as illustrations.

I used Gemini to give me a quick summary of Social Media Pros and Cons and to produce an infographic to use in an article.

I use Canva to produce a poster for this article.

Limitations

While these tools can be very helpful, they also have limitations that can be frustrating.

• It’s important to check the accuracy of the results from ChatGPT and Gemini. Some info may be outdated or inaccurate.
• Generating infographics in Gemini was difficult because Gemini consistently misspelled words.
• In Midjourney, getting consistent results across sessions takes some skill and experience.
• In all of these tools, there is an art to constructing prompts that takes time and experimentation to learn.

In spite of these limitations, I am finding AI tools to be an invaluable help in search, image creation and learning.