A prompt is the content you enter into a generative AI tool in order to receive your desired output. It may not immediately create the content you envisioned, and you may need to refine your prompt to generate an output that closer aligns to what you want. Generated output can change based on the quality of the prompt and implementing prompt engineering can refine your content to more efficiently use a language learning model.

Prompt engineering is the process of structuring text using tactics to get better results. Knowing the capabilities and limitations of a tool can help you receive more accurate and relevant responses.

Use AI with POWER

The Generative AI Solutions Hub has created Best Practices guidelines for campus to help you evaluate when, if, and how to incorporate AI as part of your process. Digital Humanities Librarian Mary Ton has summarized these with the acronym POWER. To learn more, visit the A Gentle Introduction to ChatGPT (September 2024) workshop recording on MediaSpace.

• Pause before using AI
  • Check any relevant departmental or publishing policies, Illinois list of approved AI tools, and review the terms of service to assess any privacy risks before using AI
• Orchestrate the right tools for the job
  • Choose which part to automate and use the best tool for the task
• Write your documentation as you go
  • Refer to the ingredients of a good AI statement on the Documenting and Citing AI page of this libguide.
• Engage with the process
  • Use interaction, iteration, and conversation to refine your own ideas
• Review AI generated outputs
  • Examine in terms of audience, accuracy, bias, and with articles and scholarly sources from the library.

• Savvy Researcher Storytelling in AI workshop on MediaSpace
• LinkedinLearning- Develop Your Prompt Engineering Skills Learning Path
• MIT Sloan Teaching & Learning- Effective Prompts for AI: The Essentials page
• OpenAI API- Prompt Engineering strategy guide

Note: All current students, staff and faculty on the Urbana, Chicago, and Springfield campuses who have a valid NetID are eligible to use LinkedIn Learning at no cost. Learn more from the Office of Chief Information Officer (CIO) Help and Training page over LinkedinLearning.