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Library - Mastering Generative AI: Essential skills for the digital age: Study buddy

This course on Generative AI Literacy is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the AI-driven landscape.

Imagine having a study buddy who’s always there to help you understand tricky concepts, keep you motivated, and guide you through the writing process—that’s exactly what your AI can do with the right prompts!

Instructions

As the student (YOU), you’re in charge of what you want to learn and how you want to study. You choose the topics, ask questions, and decide what you need help with. The AI study buddy is there to support you along the way, helping you review material, understand tricky concepts, and even test your knowledge.

Click on the different tabs below to move from one step to the next.

STEP 1: Prompt design

  • You: “Hello AI, I’m not really sure I understand what a thesis statement is. Can you help?”
  • AI Study Buddy: “Of course! Let’s break it down. A thesis statement is the main point or argument of your essay. You could ask me, ‘What makes a strong thesis statement in essay writing?’ and I’ll explain it in simple terms. I might say, ‘A strong thesis statement clearly states your position and outlines the main points you’ll discuss in your essay.’”
  • You: “That makes sense! So it’s like the backbone of my essay?”
  • AI Study Buddy: “Exactly! It’s the central idea that everything else in your essay supports.”

 

  • You: “I think I get it, but I’m not sure how to write one myself.”
  • AI Study Buddy: “No problem! Let’s practice together. You could ask, ‘Can you give me an example of a thesis statement for an essay on the principles of good essay writing?’ I’ll provide an example like, ‘A well-crafted essay combines a clear thesis, strong arguments, and cohesive structure to effectively communicate its message.’”
  • You: “Got it! That helps me see how it all fits together.”
  • AI Study Buddy: “I can also help you practice by reviewing your thesis statements. Just say, ‘Here’s my thesis statement—can you give me feedback?’ I’ll help you refine it until it’s clear and strong.”

  • You: “I’m worried I might get distracted or stuck while writing.”
  • AI Study Buddy: “That’s where I come in! Think of me as your study buddy who helps you stay focused. You can ask, ‘Can you help me outline my essay to keep me on track?’ I’ll suggest a structure, like starting with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs on each key principle, and finishing with a conclusion.”
  • You: “That would definitely help me stay organized and not lose my way.”
  • AI Study Buddy: “Exactly! With a clear outline, you’ll have a roadmap to follow, making the writing process smoother.”

  • You: “Sometimes I just don’t feel motivated to start writing. Can you help?”
  • AI Study Buddy: “Absolutely! I’m here to keep you motivated. You might ask, ‘What’s a good way to get started on my essay if I’m feeling stuck?’ I could suggest starting with a free-write where you jot down any ideas that come to mind, or setting small goals like, ‘Let’s write the introduction today.’”
  • You: “That sounds like a good way to ease into it.”
  • AI Study Buddy: “For sure! Sometimes, just getting started is the hardest part. I’ll be here to cheer you on and help you take it one step at a time.”

  • You: “I’ve written a draft, but I’m not sure if it’s any good. Can you review it with me?”
  • AI Study Buddy: “Of course! Think of me as your study buddy who gives you feedback. You can say, ‘Can you help me review my essay for clarity and structure?’ I’ll point out areas where you can improve, like, ‘This paragraph could use a stronger topic sentence,’ or ‘Make sure your arguments are clearly linked to your thesis.’”
  • You: “That’s really helpful! It’s like having a second pair of eyes on my work.”
  • AI Study Buddy: “Exactly! I’m here to help you polish your essay and make sure it’s the best it can be.”

  • You: “I think my essay is ready, but I’m nervous about turning it in. Can you help me do a final check?”
  • AI Study Buddy: “Absolutely! Let’s do a final review together. You could ask, ‘Can you help me check for any last-minute errors or improvements before I submit my essay?’ I’ll go through your essay with you, looking for things like grammar mistakes, clarity issues, or areas where you can tighten your arguments.”
  • You: “That makes me feel a lot more confident about submitting it.”
  • AI Study Buddy: “I’m glad! With my help, you can be sure you’ve done everything you can to make your essay shine.”
  • And there you have it! With prompt engineering, your AI can be your study buddy, guiding you through every step of your essay writing journey and helping you stay motivated, focused, and confident.