GenAI Studio: News, Tools, and Teaching & Learning FAQs
These sixty minute, weekly sessions – facilitated by Technologists and Pedagogy Experts from the CTLT – are designed for faculty and staff at UBC who are using, or thinking about using, Generative AI tools as part of their teaching, researching, or daily work. Each week we discuss the news of the week, highlight a specific tool for use within teaching and learning, and then hold a question and answer session for attendees.
They run on Zoom every Wednesday from 1pm – 2pm and you can register for upcoming events on the CTLT Events Website.
News of the Week
Each week we discuss several new items that happened in the Generative AI space over the past 7 days. There’s usually a flood of new AI-adjacent news every week – as this industry is moving so fast – so we highlight news articles which are relevant to the UBC community.
This week in tech news, OpenAI released a Mac version of ChatGPT, enhancing integration with macOS. CriticGPT from OpenAI outperforms humans in debugging AI-generated code. Google introduced the Gemma 2 language model in two sizes to improve natural language tasks. New Vertex AI features from Google Cloud focus on improving AI content accuracy through RAG and grounding techniques. Edgeless Systems’ Continuum offers secure data handling for AI workflows. Lastly, UBC will explore GenAI tools like ChatGPT for developing teaching materials.
Here’s this week’s news:
ChatGPT for Mac Released
OpenAI has launched a ChatGPT app specifically for Mac users, offering a seamless desktop experience with enhanced features like voice input and the ability to work across Apple devices. This release aims to integrate ChatGPT more deeply into users’ daily workflows. Read more.
CriticGPT Outperforms Humans in Bug Detection
OpenAI’s CriticGPT has demonstrated superior capabilities in identifying bugs in AI-generated code compared to human coders. This tool enhances code reliability and efficiency, highlighting the growing potential of AI in software development. Read more.
Google Releases Gemma 2
Google has introduced its Gemma 2 models in 9B and 27B sizes, offering significant improvements in natural language processing tasks. These models are designed to provide enhanced performance for a variety of applications, from search engines to conversational AI. Read more.
RAG and Grounding on Vertex AI
Google Cloud’s Vertex AI now includes Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and grounding techniques to improve the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated content. These enhancements aim to better manage large-scale information retrieval and grounding in real-world data. Read more.
Continuum for Secure Data Processing
Edgeless Systems’ Continuum is a comprehensive framework designed to ensure secure data processing in the cloud. It leverages advanced cryptographic techniques to protect data throughout its lifecycle, addressing key security concerns for cloud users. Read more.
Exploring GenAI Tools for Teaching
UBC is hosting an event to explore the use of GenAI tools like CoPilot, ChatGPT, and Dall-E 3 in developing teaching materials. This session will provide educators with practical insights on leveraging AI to enhance the quality and interactivity of educational content. Read more.
Large TLEF Special Call at UBC
Generative AI Collaborative Cluster Grants
The University of British Columbia has announced a special call for grants aimed at supporting collaborative research projects in generative AI. This initiative is part of UBC’s commitment to advancing AI research and education. Read more.
Featured Tools of the Week
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Ollama | Ollama provides a platform for integrating AI-powered features into various applications, enhancing functionality and user experience |
| LM Studio | LM Studio offers tools for developing, deploying, and managing language models, focusing on customization and scalability |
| GPT4All | GPT4All by Nomic enables access to powerful language models for diverse applications, including chatbots and content generation |
| Backyard AI | Backyard AI specializes in AI-driven insights and analytics to help businesses make data-driven decisions |
| Anything LLM | Use Anything provides a flexible platform for utilizing AI models across various use cases, emphasizing ease of use and integration. |
For More Information on Archived Tools Visit: Tools
Without a PIA, instructors cannot require students use the tool or service without providing alternatives that do not require use of student private information
Questions and Answers
Each studio ends with a question and answer session whereby attendees can ask questions of the pedagogy experts and technologists who facilitate the sessions. We have published a full FAQ section on this site. If you have other questions about GenAI usage, please get in touch.
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