The number of AI Tools currently available for teaching and research is substantial. This page provides an overview of this topic so that teaching faculty/instructors and students may be aware of the current scope of this technology.
AI tools are software applications that use artificial intelligence algorithms to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as analyzing data, recognizing patterns, personalize learning experiences, automate tasks, and making decisions.
AI technologies encompass the broader field of developing and implementing AI systems. Such technologies are used in a very large number of applications which have led to self-driving cars, speech recognition systems, and fraud detection in banking, to name just a few. Examples of technologies that enable AI to solve complex problems include robotics, and virtual agents.
Component of AI technologies include:
Computer vision (Allows computers to "see" and interpret images)
Deep learning (A type of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to analyze complex data).
Machine learning (Algorithms that allow computers to learn from data without being explicitly programmed),
Natural language processing (Enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language),
Examples of AI tools in teaching and learning include:
adaptive learning platforms (to tailor content and pace to individual student needs),
AI-driven lesson planning,
AI-powered assessment tools,
AI-powered chatbots (such as ChatGPT),
automated grading,
lecture transcription platforms,
plagiarism detection software
all aimed at improving student learning outcomes and teaching effectiveness.
In essence, AI tools are specific applications that leverage AI technologies to perform tasks, while AI technologies are the broader field of developing and implementing these tools and systems.
The application of AI technologies in teaching and learning serves to enhance the teaching and learning process, addressing cognitive, physical, academic, social, and emotional factors that impact learning.
The list below provides an overview of the most used Generative AI Tools. They may appear as a line item in Teaching Grants or Funding Applications, and include training support as part of the budget proposal.
Te xt Generation:
ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM) and chatbot developed by OpenAI that uses artificial intelligence to generate human-like text and engage in conversations. Based on user prompts, it can respond to questions, write various types of content, and even debug code. ChatGPT is trained on a massive dataset of text and code, allowing it to understand and generate natural language. It uses a technique called reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF) to optimize its ability to have natural and engaging conversations.
Image Generation:
DALL-E is a family of artificial intelligence models developed by OpenAI that can generate images from text descriptions. It uses deep learning to understand natural language prompts and create realistic and artistic visuals. DALL-E has evolved through several versions, with DALL-E 3 being the latest iteration, known for its ability to produce highly detailed and accurate images
Music Generation:
Text-to-image Generators:
Midjourney is a generative artificial intelligence program that creates images from natural language descriptions (prompts). It is a text-to-image AI: you input text and it generates an image based on that description. Midjourney utilizes large language models and diffusion models, which allow it to understand and interpret the meaning of your prompts, transforming them into numerical representations that guide the image generation process.
For additional Information see:
Popular Generative Toolsets (University of South Florida Libraries Research Guide).
Artificial Intelligence (Generative Resources) (Georgetown University Library Research Guide)
"Find the Best Ai Tools!," AITopTools, (This is repository of AI Tools organized by categories that go well beyond "Education") .
Lukan, Ema. “The 50 Best AI Tools for 2025 (Tried and Tested),” Synthesia, March 30, 2025.