Exploring Artificial Intelligence

-

 What Do I Know About AI?

Prior to researching artificial intelligence, my understanding of the rising technology was that it was a program that used its interactions with humans to learn and develop itself. For example, chatbots would use conversations they would have with their users to develop "speech" patterns and learn language. I also always think of shiny, white robots. I suppose this is still the case at the most basic level. The pattern of learning more about the user as the program is used is seen in almost all of social media now. Our cultivated "For You" pages and recommended media are a part of this type of AI, which I never thought about before learning about it. I simply consumed content. 

GIF Source: GIPHY

How Do I Use It?

I've only recently started AI intentionally. At work, I like to use ChatGPT to help me come up with fun phrases and taglines for my children's program flyers. Ironically, the most recent time I used it was for my Creative Writing Club flyer to come up with "Unleash Your Imagination, One Story at a Time!". If I run out of writing prompt ideas for the kids, then I think ChatGPT would be able to help me out with that too. Besides stuff like this, I'm quite fond of using Canva and the AI extensions available with the Pro account. The background remover has been a lifesaver when making different types of media for the Youth Service department. I've also found the Magic Expand tool very helpful when I'm making the backgrounds for slideshows and banners since it helps fill out the page. For school, I downloaded Grammarly to help me with essays and discussion posts, especially since I tend to be wordy at times. I also realized that comma use is hit or miss depending on who I'm talking to. 

Dive Into Magic Studio™ 

Video Source: Canva

I chose to learn more about the AI features in Canva since I tend to use the same things over and over again, such as Background Remover, Magic Expand, and Magic Media. To start, Magic Studio™ is Canva's collection of AI-powered tools. The collection is designed to help users from start to finish get their creations on the screen. While some features are accessible to all account holders, others are exclusive to Pro or Team accounts. When using these features for personal or professional work, their main rule is to "Be A Good Human". I thought this was a good rule to remember and hold users accountable for what they make. Their collection of AI-powered features includes the following:
  • Magic Design™ - This allows users to input a prompt and create finished projects in seconds. These include presentations and videos.
  • Resize & Magic Switch™ - This feature lets users reformat their work for different platforms, resize, and translate their projects.
  • Magic Media™ - Canva's AI generative art program, where users can insert a prompt for the AI to create. (I use this feature to come up with backgrounds for my slides or banners.) 
  • Magic Expand - The tool extends the image to the user's desired dimension and offers different options to find the perfect match.
  • Magic Grab - Let's different elements of an image be selected to be moved to resized.
  • Magic Edit- Users can change elements of an image by typing in a prompt, such as changing the color or type of clothing.
  • Magic Eraser - Users can remove parts of images.
  • Magic Animate - Adds movement to elements in the project, such as text popping up during slideshow transitions.
  • Background Remover - Removes the background of any image.
  • Enhance Voice - Listens to audio to allow users to increase or decrease the quality.
  • Magic Write™ - Allows for users to write a sample of work and change the writing depending on tone.
  • Magic Morph - Transforms an element of a project with a written prompt, such as turning a 2D image into balloon art.

Overall, I think these features are very helpful when creative projects for school and work. So long as users are responsible with their use of the AI-powered tools, I think this is a great way to be more efficient when working on projects. I already like to use templates when making flyers or infographics, so maybe utilizing Magic Design™ will help as a starting point to create unique media. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What Do You Know About Copyright & Fair Use?

-
Image
  What is Copyright and Fair Use? According to the U.S. Copyright Office , copyright was established to protect the creative work of an author/artist/creator. The work of an artist must be an independent creation, meaning the work is original and not copying another's work. With copyright law, the creator is given the right to authorize reproductions, variations, and performances of their work. These rights protect the author for as long as they live plus an additional 70 years! Fair Use , on the other hand, dictates whether individuals are able to use copyrighted material depending on the circumstances. Therefore, this legal doctrine supports freedom of expression. There are four main criteria that help determine usability: Purpose and character of use Nature of the work Amount of work used Effect on the market or value of the copyrighted work  Purpose and character indicate how an individual is using the work. If it is intended for non-profit and educational uses then it is...
Read more

"Learning First, Technology Second" - Triple E Learning Framework

-
Image
  What is the Triple E Framework? Photo Source: Triple E Framework Triple E is a validated practical framework developed by University of Michigan Professor Liz Kolb. This framework focuses on supplementing students' learning experiences with technology rather than the technology being the focal point of lessons and potentially taking away from active learning. It highlights a "minds on" approach when working to create lesson plans involving technology while emphasizing learning goals. Triple E is broken down into three levels of learning: Level 1 Engaged Learning , Level 2 Enhanced Learning , and Level 3 Extended Learning .  These three levels of learning critique technology's role in teachers' lesson plans and give feedback on how it may be improved to ensure active learning in the students. Criteria for each level of learning can be seen in the graphic above! Engage : The technology used enables students to actively absorb the lesson in front of them. Enhan...
Read more