At a Glance
Emerging AI technologies like ChatGPT have unlocked new possibilities for creating written content and carrying out language-related tasks. On this page, you’ll find a curated list of AI writing and content creation tools that may prove valuable in academic settings. We provide an overview of the types of content these tools can generate. We’ll also share considerations around each tool’s strengths, limitations, and compliance requirements. While not exhaustive, this list is designed to serve as a starting point as you explore how and if you’d like to incorporate generative AI writing and content creation tools into your teaching.
Keeping Pace at MIT Sloan: We’re fast, but technology can be faster! We do our best to update our content to match these changes. However, for the most recent software updates and features, please refer directly to the developer’s website. When in doubt, contact us.
How They Work
AI-powered writing assistants like ChatGPT use natural language processing (NLP) technologies that draw upon vast amounts of data to predict contextual words or phrases in a given context (Center for Teaching and Learning, 2023; Stanford Graduate School of Business, 2023). These tools excel at mimicking human-like linguistic patterns and can assist with a wide array of language-related tasks. Beyond chatbots, emerging AI technologies are also capable of generating code or visual elements, thanks to their training on large, specialized datasets.
To learn more about how these AI tools work, watch the How ChatGPT Works: A Non-Technical Primer video by Rama Ramakrishnan, Professor of Practice in Data Science and Applied Machine Learning at MIT Sloan.
Tool List
Below you’ll find a curated selection of AI writing and content creation tools that may prove valuable in academic settings. Please note that this list is not exhaustive but offers a solid starting point for exploring the capabilities of these technologies.
IMPORTANT: At this time, we do not have institutional licenses for the AI tools mentioned below. However, the Institute and School are exploring ways to enhance the AI technology options and we’ll provide updates on any changes.
Select the name of a tool to learn how to access it, explore related resources, and more.
|
Tool |
Description |
Internet Access |
Best Used As |
Pricing |
Related Resources |
|
Bard |
Bard is an experimental AI chatbot developed by Google that can generate conversational responses and is connected to the Internet. |
Yes |
A research assistant |
Free |
|
|
Bing Chat |
Bing Chat is an AI chatbot developed by Microsoft that can generate conversational responses via the Microsoft Edge browser. It provides free access to GPT-4 and is connected to the Internet. |
Yes |
A research assistant |
Free |
|
|
ChatGPT |
ChatGPT is an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI that provides free access to GPT-3.5. It's designed to simulate human-like interactions and is trained on a large dataset that includes text up to September 2021. |
No |
A personal assistant |
Free limited tier |
|
|
ChatGPT Plus |
ChatGPT Plus is the premium version of ChatGPT, offering access to GPT-4 as well as powerful integrations and plugins like Advanced Data Analysis (formerly Code Interpreter). |
Yes via WebGPT plugin |
A personal assistant |
$20/month paid subscription |
|
|
Claude |
Claude is an AI chatbot developed by Anthropic that allows you to upload PDF files. It's designed to simulate human-like interactions and is trained on a large dataset that includes text up to December 2022. |
No |
A personal assistant |
Free |
|
|
Humata |
Humata is an AI-powered tool that enhances your research by offering rapid summarization, real-time Q&A, and efficient content generation from your PDFs. Ideal for faculty aiming to streamline research and enhance productivity. |
No |
A research assistant |
Free limited tier; $14.99/month paid subscription |
|
|
Llama 2 |
Llama 2 is Meta's latest open-source large language model, designed for a myriad of applications from chatbots to research. Unlike the proprietary models behind ChatGPT, Llama 2 offers the academic community an open-source alternative for diverse use-cases. Its broad training data and open accessibility make it a compelling option for both research and practical applications in AI-powered tools. |
No |
Open source large language model |
Free |
|
Use to Generate
You can use these tools to generate a wide range of content types including the following:
- Multiple-choice questions and response options
- Computer programming source code
- Cover letters and resumes
- Emails and messages
- Essays or short written assignments
- Exam questions
- Instructions for a learning activity
- Learning objectives
- Metaphors and analogies to explain complex concepts
- Outlines of papers or presentations
- Rubrics
- Scripts for a podcast or video
- Simulated conversations
- Study guides
- Summaries of text like articles or meeting notes
- Survey questions
(Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, n.d.; Mollick, 2023; Stanford Graduate School of Business, 2023)
When used thoughtfully, these AI-powered tools can complement human creativity and analytical skills, rather than replacing them. Understanding both the capabilities and limitations of these tools can inform not only your own use of these tools but also your understanding of how students might use them, enabling you to adapt your assignments and assessments accordingly.
IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that generative AI tools can produce biased and inaccurate content. Any content generated by AI should be thoroughly verified for accuracy through human review and additional research.
