Applying AI: Tool Overview and Comparison

An AI Assistant helps users perform tasks more efficiently. It responds to prompts, can automate workflows, and provide intelligent suggestions based on context provided. They encompass Generative AI, that is used to create new content, such as text, images, or audio. You can ask it to draft emails, summarize documents, generate ideas, create a PowerPoint based on a document you upload and much more. AI Assistants also integrate with other applications, like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, to support tasks like scheduling, writing, data analysis, and decision-making.

An AI Environment is the digital ecosystem in which AI systems operate to support the development, deployment and use of AI tools. This can include hardware software, data sources, and user interfaces.

AI assistant tools such as Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and ChatGPT Edu can all be used to enhance your lesson plans and make it easier to create grading rubrics, brainstorming activities, craft emails, create coursework summaries, compile feedback, and engage with the subject material in a new way. 

If you're teaching a virtual class, Zoom AI companion is very helpful for taking notes and generating a summary of the lesson so that you can easily find discussion points, follow-up items, and questions.

Always double check what the AI produces for accuracy before using it. 

Using AI assistants can help you take your work to the next level by streamlining operational tasks and allowing you to refocus your time and effort. Copilot Chat and ChatGPT Edu are great for creating one-page summaries, infographics, brainstorming, drafting emails, and content editing. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot connects all Microsoft applications together and allows you to use them wholistically. Pull data from your Excel reports into a PowerPoint with ease. Create a Word document executive summary based on multiple files and file types with a single, well-written prompt. Create content tailored to specific audiences with customized tone, style and vocabulary. 

Zoom AI Companion is a game-changer for administrative and project management roles. It takes meeting minutes for you which allows you to be more engaged in your meetings and able to participate instead of being focused on note-taking.

Adobe Firefly takes image generation to the next level and connects the Creative Cloud applications together so that your next annual report can have a custom-generated image added to it without having to go to a different platform and upload a file.

Always double check what the AI produces for accuracy before using it. 

AI can elevate research and has been a significant asset when used correctly. Claude and an analyst agent are both enabled in Microsoft 365 Copilot for deep research and analytics. ChatGPT Edu also has up to five deep research uses per day included in the free version provided by the university. 

For more advanced features, AI environments such as Vertex AI, Azure Open AI and Google Workspace are specifically available for researchers and developers on the campus. These environments require more advanced technical knowledge to utilize, but they allow for advanced research, customization, batch interfacing, and more. 

Always double check what the AI produces for accuracy before using it. 

Microsoft Copilot Chat is an AI-powered web chat that can generate content, answer questions and improve productivity. This tool is approved to be used with confidential and highly confidential data.

• Draft, edit, and/or review content (i.e., emails, messages, and other communications materials
• Create summaries of documents or meeting notes
• Generate ideas for presentations or trainings
• Translate documents for multilingual audiences
• Create and share agents for repetitive tasks

Available and protected through your university Microsoft account. Be sure you see the "protected shield" messaging at the top of the webpage to confirm you are signed in.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI assistant that web integrates across the Microsoft 365 suite of applications to offer personalized and automated support. This tool is approved to be used with confidential and highly confidential data.

• Word: Structure reports, edit tone for different audiences, summarize reports
• Excel: Analyze trends, create pivot tables, generate formulas
• PowerPoint: Build presentations from outlines, suggest visuals, write speaker notes
• Outlook: Summarize threads, draft replies, schedule follow-ups
• Teams: Recap meetings, identify action items, suggest next steps
• Agents: Create and share agents that can complete repetitive tasks quickly
• Researcher agent: Get a detailed research report about any topic
• Analyst agent: Quickly analyze Excel or other data set
• Search all Microsoft 365 files you have access to using natural language

Available with a license. Visit the Microsoft 365 Copilot ISS Tools & Services webpage for purchasing information.

Adobe Firefly uses generative AI and simple text prompts to create beautiful images, text effects, and fresh color palettes.

• Generate images, graphics, and other visual content from text descriptions
• Enhance text effects
  

Adobe Firefly uses generative AI and simple text prompts to create This tool is available with a paid Adobe Creative Cloud license. Visit the Service Center portal to request a license. 

• Gain a basic understanding of how AI works, including its capabilities and limitations, with the available tools approved for use at the university.
• Clearly define what you want to achieve with AI. Whether it’s automating tasks, improving decision-making, or enhancing user experiences, having clear objectives will guide your AI implementation.
• The use of AI should be clearly documented and disclosed. Ensure to cite your AI usage clearly if incorporating written prompts.
• Always evaluate results as responses may not always be accurate. Verify information using credible sources to ensure accuracy.
• Be cautious about bias detection; a fairness assessment can help ensure equitable results. Evaluate whether an AI model treats all individuals equitably by ensuring data quality, defining the fairness criteria and identifying protected attributes such as race or gender, for example.
• Prioritize ethical guidelines, fairness, openness, and privacy laws.
• Ensuring data protection is our top priority. Most of these tools are currently approved for use with public and confidential data, as defined in the university’s data classification system. At this time, Microsoft Copilot is approved for use with confidential and highly confidential data. 

Document Classification Quick Guide

Public Data	Confidential Data	Highly Confidential Data
Directory data Public policies Publicly published business documents	Faculty/staff personnel records, benefits, salaries, performance evaluations, employment applications Internal memos and email Purchase requisitions Level 2 and 3 of student data All internal, un-published, or non-public university work product.	Protected health data Social security numbers Payment card numbers Financial account numbers Driver’s license numbers Level 4 and 5 of student data

You can find more details and information about data classification on the CU Governance website: Data Classification webpage.