AI Tools
To that end, VCU has licenses with 3 suites of AI tools, with whom we have data privacy agreements:
Google Gemini and NotebookLM are included in your Google workspace accounts. Gemini is Google's generative AI chatbot and NotebookLM functions as a research assistant.
Microsoft Copilot is another generative AI chatbot that all faculty, staff, and students can use by heading to go.vcu.edu/copilot and logging in with your VCU email address and password.
Adobe Express and Firefly can be accessed through your Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) account. Be sure you are logged into your Adobe account and if you've already installed Adobe CC on your computer, click on the Creative Cloud icon to open the suite of tools.
Each tool is designed to support various creative and productivity needs, making them valuable resources for your work and studies. Many other popular generative AI tools exist, though without licensing and data privacy agreements through VCU.
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Google Gemini is an AI tool that combines advanced language understanding and generation capabilities to assist users in various tasks, such as writing, researching, and creating content. It leverages Google's extensive data and AI expertise to deliver accurate and context-aware assistance.
NotebookLM is a Google Gemini-powered note-taking and research assistant offered as part of your VCU Google Workspace account. You can upload PDFs, Google Docs, web URLs, and YouTube videos into a "notebook." Once the sources are uploaded, NotebookLM becomes an expert on that content, allowing you to ask questions and receive answers with citations pointing back to the original text. Key features include the ability to quickly summarize documents, generate different content formats such as briefing documents and study guides, and podcast-style audio overviews. It aims to streamline research, enhance productivity, and improve information retention by providing AI-driven insights grounded in your own documents.
VCU has licensed Microsoft Copilot, a generative artificial intelligence chatbot for all faculty, staff, and students to use for free. Navigate to go.vcu.edu/copilot and login with your VCU email address and password. Copilot is built with the same security, privacy, and compliance standards as other Microsoft products. Your prompts and Copilot’s responses are:
- Not available to other customers.
- Not used to train or improve any third-party products or services (such as OpenAI models)
- Not used to train or improve Microsoft AI models
Important update: as of November 2024 the Copilot app integration and file upload features no longer work for all VCU accounts. Microsoft now requires OneDrive to be enabled for this feature and we do not currently have OneDrive available for all VCU accounts. If you are interested in getting access to these features, please contact emergingtech@vcu.edu.
Adobe Express is a versatile design tool that allows users to create social graphics, flyers, logos, and more with ease. It offers a user-friendly interface, a variety of templates, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced designers looking to create professional-quality content quickly.
Adobe Firefly is a generative AI tool that enhances creativity by generating high-quality images, text effects, and other visual content based on user prompts. Integrated seamlessly into Adobe's suite of products like Photoshop and Illustrator, it streamlines content creation within familiar workflows.
Our Arabic professor asked us to use Generative AI to teach Arabic grammar and evaluate how it performed. Spoiler alert, it didn’t do very well, but it was a good exercise to learn, like how AI can get stuff right and wrong, and how it can be a teaching tool.
Jack Glagola
Philosophy, ‘26
I’ll put it in a Generative AI, “Hey can you give me four questions and can you explain or expand upon the topic we’re talking about” It’ll give me different topics and actually give me a mini test. It’s almost like a mini tutor in your pocket for free.
Abriana Villegas
Interdisciplinary Studies, ‘27
Examples of AI in Industry
Artificial Intelligence isn't just a buzzword -- it's revolutionizing industries across the globe. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, AI is making a significant impact in countless fields. Let's explore how AI is transforming six key industries. Hover over each box to discover specific applications and innovative companies leading the charge in AI adoption.