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.
In this week’s tech news, the Allen Institute for AI unveiled OLMo 2, an open language model initiative fostering transparency in AI research. Nvidia introduced Fugatto, an AI model for voice modification and unique sound generation. Anthropic launched the Model Context Protocol (MCP), a standard for integrating AI with diverse data sources. OpenAI expanded ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode to web browsers, enhancing accessibility to real-time voice interactions. Browser AI Kit introduced free in-browser AI tools for privacy-conscious users. An AI researcher from Google shared 50 practical applications of AI for productivity and research. UBC’s CHES announced an workshop exploring AI’s evolving role in medical education, while the CTLT will be hosting workshops on Generative AI in education and learning tools. Lastly, Virgin Media O2 introduced “Daisy”, an AI chatbot combating telephone scammers.
Here’s this week’s news:
OLMo 2: Open Language Model Initiative
The Allen Institute for AI (AI2) has released OLMo 2, a series of language models designed to foster AI research through transparency and collaboration. It includes accessible training data, reproducible recipes, and intermediate checkpoints to help researchers study and improve language models. Read more.
Nvidia Unveils Fugatto: AI Model for Audio Transformation
Nvidia has introduced Fugatto, an AI model capable of generating novel sounds, which could cater to creators in music, film, and gaming. Unlike other audio generation models, Fugatto has the unique ability to take in and modify existing audio, such as converting instrumental melodies into vocals, or altering accents and moods in human speech. There are currently no immediate plans for it to be released due to concerns about potential misuse. Read more.
Anthropic Introduces Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Anthropic has launched the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard for integrating AI assistants with diverse data sources like business tools and repositories. MCP provides a unified approach to replacing fragmented systems, improving AI efficiency. Early adopters include companies like Block, Apollo, and leading developer tool platforms such as Zed, Replit, and Codeium. Read more.
OpenAI Expands ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode to Web Users
OpenAI has brought ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode to web browsers, enabling real-time conversational interactions. Previously limited to iOS and Android, this feature uses GPT-4o’s audio capabilities for seamless voice communication. Access is available to paying customers, including Plus and Edu subscribers. Read more.
Browser AI Kit: Free In-Browser AI Tools
Browser AI Kit offers a suite of AI tools that run directly in your browser, including audio-to-text conversion, background removal, text-to-speech, and music generation. All tools are free, unlimited, and process data locally on your device, ensuring privacy without the need for installations. The platform is continually expanding, with more tools planned for future release. Check it out here.
Exploring AI’s Practical Applications
A research scientist at Google DeepMind shares 50 real-world examples of how he utilizes large language models (LLMs) to enhance productivity in coding and research. His applications range from automating monotonous tasks to learning new frameworks, demonstrating LLMs’ versatility across various types of tasks. The article emphasizes that current LLMs are already valuable tools, despite their limitations. Read more.
Artificial Intelligence and Medical Education: What is Happening and Where are We Going? – December 10, 2024
The Centre for Health Education Scholarship (CHES) at UBC is hosting a session exploring the implications of AI for medical education on December 10, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, featuring speakers Dr. Adam Rodman and Dr. Sian Tsuei. The event will be held in a hybrid format. Learn more.
Integrating GenAI in Assignments and Assessments – December 17, 2024
The Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) at UBC is hosting a generative AI workshop on December 17, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, facilitated by Lucas Wright. This online session will cover ways to use generative AI in education, from ideation and collaborative tools to assessing AI-generated outputs. Register here.
Unlocking Student Potential: Generative AI as a Learning Tool – January 20, 2025
The Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) at UBC is hosting an interactive session on generative AI on January 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, facilitated by Lucas Wright, Weaver Shaw, and Neil Leveridge. This in-person session will introduce participants to the latest AI tools, showcase real-world applications, and provide a chance to brainstorm how these tools can support students with their academic work. Register here.
Meet Daisy: The AI Granny Battling Telephone Scammers
Virgin Media O2 has developed “Daisy,” an AI-powered chatbot who is able to hold calls autonomously without requiring further input. Designed to fight telephone scammers, Daisy keeps fraudsters engaged in lengthy conversations, minimizing their ability to target real victims. Watch here.
Tool of the Week
Tool of the Week: Play.ai
What is Play.ai?
Play.ai is a platform specializing in AI voice generation, text to speech, and conversational AI. It offers tools like PlayNote for converting files into engaging audio formats, and also allows you to build your own AI voice agent. These tools cater to creators, developers, and businesses seeking high-quality AI-driven voice capabilities.
How is it used?
Play.ai provides an API that developers can integrate into their applications to enable seamless voice synthesis and interactions. With features like real-time text-to-speech and emotion-driven responses, the platform supports use cases in narration, dubbing, podcasts, and voice-enabled interfaces. Businesses can use Play.ai for tailored applications, including appointment scheduling and automated customer support.
What is it used for?
Play.ai is capable of serving various industries by enhancing communication and storytelling with advanced voice AI. It can be particularly useful for media content creation, accessibility solutions, and customer experience optimization. By creating natural-sounding AI voices, the platform improves engagement and operational efficiency for its users.
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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Assessment Design using Generative AI
Generative AI is reshaping assessment design, requiring faculty to adapt assignments to maintain academic integrity. The GENAI Assessment Scale guides AI use in coursework, from study aids to full collaboration, helping educators create assessments that balance AI integration with skill development, fostering critical thinking and fairness in learning.
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How can I use GenAI in my course?
In education, the integration of GenAI offers a multitude of applications within your courses. Presented is a detailed table categorizing various use cases, outlining the specific roles they play, their pedagogical benefits, and potential risks associated with their implementation. A Complete Breakdown of each use case and the original image can be found here. At […]