AI @ UofL

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology field, encompassing machine learning (ML) and generative AI (GenAI), with the potential to revolutionize numerous aspects of our lives.

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) at UofL

Introduction for the UofL community on the best practices for generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) as part of teaching, learning and administrative use.

Learn more about GenAI options

The information provided below is for a user's personal knowledge - we are not endorsing any specific AI or GenAI tool. Any chat tool can produce seemingly accurate results but output frequently includes false results, logical inconsistencies and discriminatory bias. Please use GenAI tools thoughtfully and ethically while following university and course use requirements. Security of personal and university-owned data should be a user's priority and university-owned data should not be provided to any non-authorized GenAI tool. Contracts, click-to-use and all costs are also the user's responsibility.
New to AI / GenAI
You’re just starting your journey with GenAI. You have only tested basic prompts in free chat tools or image generators a few times and are still exploring options. We recommend starting with Anthropic's AI Fluency course or AI Fluency for Students.
Everyday User
You’ve used multiple AI tools and GenAI platforms across different tasks—text, image or voice. You understand their strengths and limitations but can navigate the interfaces with ease. We recommend expanding your MS365 Copilot options.
AI Architect
You combine GenAI with coding or use agentic automation tools. You’re comfortable using APIs, custom models or integrating AI into production workflows and complex projects. We recommend checking out Google's Gemini and Agentspace.

Gemini Advanced (Google) 

Google’s most capable model (1.5 Pro) excels at complex reasoning, coding and multimodal tasks like analyzing video and text simultaneously. It works to integrate with Google Workspace to streamline productivity. 

Claude 3.5 Sonnet (Anthropic) 

Widely regarded as the top tier for coding and nuanced writing, offering a massive context window for analyzing long documents. It maintains a more human-like and avoids the robotic "AI flavor" often found in other models. 

Perplexity 

A "conversational answer engine" that uses Generative AI with real-time web searching to provide concise, valid answers. It includes direct footnotes and citations for every claim, making it superior for fact-checking. 

Mistral (Le Chat) 

A powerful European open-weight model known for its efficiency, strong reasoning capabilities and transparency. It serves as a reliable alternative for users who prioritize privacy and open-source architecture. 

ChatGPT (OpenAI) 

The popular chatbot powered by GPT-4o is versatile for brainstorming, voice interaction and drafting. While highly capable, users must verify facts carefully as it operates with fewer guardrails than research-specific tools. 

Microsoft Copilot 

Microsoft's free, everyday AI companion is integrated into Windows and Edge to assist with basic web searches and content creation. It leverages OpenAI’s models to provide a convenient entry point for general productivity tasks. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot 

Microsoft's Office 365 Copilot is a paid, more powerful personal assistant that combines Copilot Chat's capabilities with access to organizational data (emails, meetings, documents, etc.) and integration within Microsoft 365 applications. 

Imagen 3 (Google) 

Available via Gemini and ImageFX, this is Google’s highest-quality model for generating photorealistic visuals. It offers exceptional prompt adherence and handles text rendering within images better than previous iterations. 

Flux.2 (Black Forest Labs) 

A community favorite known for producing stunningly realistic images with complex lighting and accurate human anatomy. It is often used by creators looking for a balance between high fidelity and artistic control. 

Midjourney v6  

The industry standard for artistic and stylized image generation, producing high-fidelity, painterly and cinematic visuals. It operates primarily through Discord or a web alpha and is the go-to for creative professionals. 

Ideogram 

A specialized generator that solves the "text problem" in AI art by accurately rendering typography and lettering. It is the ideal tool for creating logos, t-shirt designs and posters where legibility is required. 

Recraft 

A unique design tool that generates vector graphics (SVG) rather than just static pixels. It is perfect for professional designers needing scalable icons, logos and illustrations that fit specific brand style guidelines.  

DALL-E 3 (OpenAI) 

Integrated into ChatGPT and Microsoft tools, this model is beginner-friendly and excellent for following complex instructions. However, it offers less granular control over specific artistic styles compared to Flux or Midjourney. 

Google Veo (Flow) 

Google’s generative video model, available in select workspace labs, is designed to create 1080p+ cinematic clips. It interprets prompts to produce consistent, high-quality motion suitable for creative projects. 

Genmo 

Genmo is an AI platform using open-source models that generates high-quality videos, images and 3D models with customization prompts and animation tools. 

Kling AI 

A newer model is gaining popularity for its ability to generate longer clips (5-10 seconds) with high motion coherence. It produces realistic physical movements, making it a strong competitor to established video platforms

Luma Dream Machine 

A fast and accessible platform that turns text or images into high-quality 5-second video clips in minutes. It is excellent for quick prototyping, meme creation and animating static ideas without complex software. 

Sora (OpenAI) 

OpenAI’s advanced text-to-video model is capable of generating complex clips with multiple subjects and specific actions. While highly impressive, it currently has limited public availability compared to other tools on this list. 

NotebookLM (Google) 

A revolutionary "AI research notebook" that learns from your uploaded documents to become an expert on your specific sources. It generates summaries, citations and even audio discussions, ensuring answers are grounded in your material. 

SciSpace 

An AI copilot designed to decode scientific papers and explain complex math or text in simple language. It helps researchers quickly find relevant literature and understand key concepts with citation-backed explanations.  

Consensus 

A search engine for science that extracts findings from peer-reviewed papers to answer questions with evidence. It provides summaries based on data rather than hallucinations, making it essential for academic verification. 

Elicit 

Automates the literature review process by finding relevant papers and extracting key data like methodology and findings. It organizes this information into comparison tables, saving researchers hours of manual sorting. 

ResearchRabbit 

ResearchRabbit is a citation-mapping tool that helps researchers explore, organize and connect academic papers and authors. It works through literature citation networks based on relevant research interests. 

Additional Training Options

Anyone in the UofL community can use LinkedIn Learning's platform for increased understanding about AI or gaining professional development. Other options include Microsoft's Learn, Google's training and free sponsored YouTube videos.
LinkedIn Learning's Generative AI: Introduction to Large Language Models
Understand what generative AI is and how large language models work. Master prompt engineering techniques including zero-shot, few-shot and chain-of-thought prompting strategies.
LinkedIn Learning's What Is Copilot? An Overview of Microsoft’s AI Tools
Discover how to enhance your productivity by incorporating Copilot into everyday tasks within Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
LinkedIn's Learning Microsoft 365 Copilot for Work
For beginners and intermediate level users, this training shows you how to secure your work data and maximize the utility of Copilot across Microsoft applications
Certficate: Copilot for Productivity by Microsoft and LinkedIn
This learning path is eligible for a Professional Certificate provided by Microsoft. Seven modules for beginners. How to streamline workflows, create and refine documents and presentations, master the art of prompt writing, and increase collaboration
Certificate: GenAI for Customer Service with M365 Copilot
Elevate your customer service game with generative AI. Seven modules, professional certificate provided by Microsoft. Learn to craft effective prompts, address customer issues with ease and transform daily workflows to deliver exceptional service.
Certificate: AI for Managers by Microsoft and LinkedIn
Learn practical ways to enhance your effectiveness with generative AI—from making team and one-on-one meetings more effective to giving feedback that gets results. Six modules, Professional Certificate provided by Microsoft.
Learn essential AI skills from Google
See how Google's own experts apply tools like Gemini, NotebookLM, and Veo to real-world use cases, then apply your skills in hands-on challenges and other resources.
Learn with Google Cloud on YouTube
Between www.youtube.com/@googlecloud and https://www.youtube.com/@googlecloudtech you'll find free videos and training options on all things AI, GenAI and cloud.
M365 Copilot via YouTube
On https://www.youtube.com/@Microsoft365 and https://www.youtube.com/@MicrosoftCustomerSupport for how-to guides, handy tips and insider tricks.