GENERATIVEAI 101: Strategic, Responsible Use In Extension Comms
Justin Moore | NC State Extension
Context + Resources
GOAL:To share guidance that facilitates responsible, productive use ofAI – specifically generativeAI tools –among Extension experts at NC State.
ExtensionAI Guidance + Best Practices
➔ This is NOT comprehensive or final information.
➔ This IS an area that will evolve and expand.
INTRO TO GENERATIVEAI
GenerativeAI (“GenAI”):
Artificial Intelligence refers to the intelligence of machines that can perform tasks associated with intelligent beings.
GenAI refers toAI tools that generate a wide range of content – like text, images, videos, audio and more.They learn and refine their responses based on user interactions and data used to train them.
AI’s Rising Influence
● *AI projected to add $15.7T to the global economy by 2030 (= nearly 15% of total global economy in ‘24)
● ^U.S. adoption of GenAI moving faster than adoption of the personal computer and internet
● ChatGPTalone has over 123M daily active users
Americans Using GenAI Several Times a Week (2024)
Source: Pew Research Center
Seismic Shift In Search
● Consistent decline in search traffic for Google
● More people – particularly younger generations –gathering info from other sources
● Modern internet is built around Google search (most sites receive most of their traffic via Google)
○ Major impacts across all markets!
○ How do we differentiate and help stakeholders engage with our resources?
AI’s Rising Influence
Gartner Hype Cycle maps a technology’s lifespan, from infancy to maturity, through five phases:
1. InnovationTrigger
2. Peak of Inflated Expectations <–– GenAI is here Early publicity produces a number of success stories — often accompanied by failures. Buzz gets louder, just before the culling.
3. Trough of Disillusionment 4. Slope of Enlightenment 5. Plateau of Productivity
Key Takeaways
● GenAI is a powerful, game-changing technology
● Despite dizzying growth, it’s still in the early stages (more growth + innovation to come)
● AI is here to stay… We must leverage it to help augment our expertise / resources!
GENAI LANDSCAPE
Types of GenAI Tools
*AIAssistants – answer questions, generate content, brainstorm ideas, spark creativity and more (most versatile group)
● Tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini
Writing Tools – writing content (articles, emails, social posts), summarizing docs
● Tools: Grammarly, QuillBot, Jasper, Copy.ai Task / WorkflowAutomation – streamlining task mgmt., organizing / analyzing data, improving productivity
● Tools: Microsoft Copilot, Zapier, NotionAI, Asana
Code Generation – writing / debugging code, assist with web content
● Tools: GitHub Copilot, Codex, Tabnine
Types of GenAI Tools
Image / Visual – creating custom images, graphics, visual designs, image edits, etc.
● Tools: Ideogram, Canva, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly
Video – producing video content from text / images, creatingAI avatars, automating video editing, etc.
● Tools: Runway, InVideo, DeepBrain, Sora
Audio – voiceovers, text-to-speech, audio enhancements, music composition, etc.
● Tools: Descript, Murf.ai, ElevenLabs
ApprovedAI Tools (OIT)
OIT-approved generativeAI tools (view list here):
○ OpenAI ChatGPT Team (paid license)
■ Free ChatGPTnot recommended… BUTyou can submit ITrequest to use it
○ Google Gemini
■ Gemini; Gemini for Workspace (paid license)
○ Microsoft Copilot
■ Copilot; Copilot Pro (paid license)
○ Grammarly Pro (paid license)
Important Notes
● Must use NC State account with approvedAI tools; personal accounts not allowed w/ university data
○ See OITdata classification levels for details about data that can (and can’t) be used withAI tools
● To use free or currently unapproved versions ofAI, you should submit an ITReview Request
● *You can / should turn off data sharing for free accounts!
○ Account settings > Find option related to data usage, product improvement, training, etc. > Opt out!
Getting Started…
● IdentifyYour Needs
○ Define key goals / tasks and where GenAI may be able to assist (e.g., writing, design, data analysis, workflow)
● ResearchAvailable Tools
○ Explore recommended tools; test free versions or leverage trial plans that align with your needs (look for reputable reviews)
○ Finding “best”AI tools is personal – explore + experiment!
Getting Started…
● Learn Best Practices
○ Familiarize yourself withAI risks and responsible usage
● Incorporate Into Workflow
○ Gradually integrate the most useful tools into your daily tasks
○ Build premium versions into budgets (as feasible)
APartner, Not a Replacement
● AI tools cannot replicate the nuances of human reasoning (moral, ethical and other contexts)
● AI must be balanced with judgment and principles
● These are tools to augment your expertise and ingenuity, not replace them – YOU are the experts!
SPOTLIGHT: USING CHATGPT
GUIDE / WORKSHEET:
ChatGPT’s Capabilities
Think of ChatGPTas a creative and analytical assistant that can streamline your work and boost productivity, e.g.:
● CRAFTING CONTENT: Emails, newsletters, stories, social posts, headlines, reports, etc. (as well as translation)
● EDITING: Improve tone, grammar and clarity in your writing
● BRAINSTORMING:Ask questions and generate ideas for everyday tasks / topics
● SUMMARIZING: Paraphrase or condense large amounts of content for various formats
● ORGANIZING: Streamline tasks by categorizing ideas, creating outlines, generating structured to-do lists / plans, etc.
Start With the Basics
● Define key goals / tasks and where GenAI can assist (e.g., writing, design, data analysis, workflow)
● Explore recommended tools — test free versions or leverage trial plans — that align with your needs
● Familiarize yourself withAI risks and responsible use
● Integrate most useful tools into your workflow; build premium versions into budgets (as feasible)
ACTIVITY:
Identify three tasks or projects in your role where you could use
CustomizeYour Experience
● With Custom Instructions, you can “program” ChatGPT(or other tools) to provide better, more targeted feedback, content, etc.
● Be thoughtful and thorough – it can make a significant difference in the relevance and value of the output!
CustomizeYour Experience
Steps to get started:
1. Create an account with ChatGPT.
2. Click profile icon at top right and choose “Customize ChatGPT.”
3. Under “Custom Instructions,” complete each section.
ACTIVITY:
Outline
info / ideas for your responses to each main question (1500 characters each)
“What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?”
TIPS:
● Include background on Extension (e.g. our mission)
● Summarize your program area and role / core responsibilities
● Identify your key audiences and big-picture goal(s)
“How would you like ChatGPT to respond?”
TIPS:
● Describe the tone, reading level, amount of detail you prefer
● Outline compatible personality traits / conversation style
● *Instruct ChatGPTto remain objective + only share info from trusted, reputable sources
○ Vetting will still be necessary!
Tips for Productive Prompts
● Be Specific and Clear
○ Clearly define what you want, incl. details like tone, format & purpose
● Provide Context
○ Share background info or any details to help ChatGPT understand
● Use Step-by-Step Instructions
○ Break down complex tasks into steps or stages
Tips for Productive Prompts
● Set Limits
○ Use it for inspiration, but don’t overrely onAI (you’re the expert!)
● Leverage Role-Playing
○ Ask theAI to act in a specific role to shape its response
“Pretend you’re an Extension 4-H youth specialist explaining the basics of STEM to a group of middle-schoolers…”
● Experiment and Iterate
○ Test different phrasing and prompts until you get desired results
○ Rather than starting over, ask for refinements to the response:
"Let's make it shorter, minimize this or that, and be more casual."
RISKS + RESPONSIBLE USE
Risks to Consider
● Data Privacy:Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential info –see OITguidance on sensitive data
● *Fact-Checking (“Hallucinations”): Always verifyAI outputs for bias, accuracy, appropriateness, etc.!
● Situational Nuance: Responses may lack the nuance needed; refine outputs to align with your audience’s tone, context and needs
● Overreliance: UseAI as a tool to complement – not replace – your knowledge and relationships
Responsible Practices
● Start with Clear Goals
○ Define the purpose of your interaction with theAI. Ensure it aligns with your communication objectives and ethical standards.
●
Use Outputs as Drafts, Not Final Products
○ Treat responses as a starting point – review, revise and further develop the concepts / content.
Responsible Practices
● Remember:You’re The Expert, Not theAI
○ Don’t rely onAI tools for subject-matter expertise in your area
— plug inYOUR knowledge and let it help shape it
○ Carefully vet ALL responses for accuracy, language/tone, redundancy, appropriateness, etc.
● EducateYourself and Others
○ Guidance and rules are evolving quickly – monitor ongoing issues, discussions and rules regardingAI.
○ Share insights, promote responsible usage across teams.
SourcingAI?
While consensus varies by context, discipline and institution, NC State advises disclosing the use ofAI in some situations:
● AI Citation Is NOT Necessary…
○ WhenAI provides basic assistance like grammar checking, rewording / formatting, spell-check, preliminary brainstorming, outlining / generating ideas you later develop independently, etc.
● AI Citation IS Necessary…
○ When “any materials or assets were produced by or significantly derived fromAI-generated outputs”
Sourcing GenAI?
To cite generativeAI – e.g. Gemini – consider including the name of theAI tool (Gemini), the company that created it (Google), the date it was accessed, and link to the tool if possible.
Sample Format: “AITool, Company / Creator, Date accessed, URL.”
Example: Created with help from: Gemini, Google, January 7, 2025, gemini.google.com.
Key Takeaways
● TreatAI as a collaborator, not an authority
● Use outputs as drafts, not final products
● Engage, experiment and refine your approach
● Critically evaluate and confirm ALL info, always!
