Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that process vast amounts of human language to produce human-like outputs, with the aim of performing tasks to assist humans to create works. In the context of open books, AI offers authors tools to streamline and enhance the content development process. AI can be used, for example, to assist in generating content ideas, summarising complex concepts, suggesting improvements to grammar and sentence structure, and creating media such as images and music.

Figure 3.1 below is an example of an AI-generated image. When used critically and ethically, AI can support the creation of accessible, high-quality, and engaging educational content.

Figure 3.1

An AI-generated image depicting a person seated at a desk, deep in thought, engaging with holographic displays

Note. Image generated using VAL from the prompt ‘illustrate a person at a desk, deep in thought, interacting with a holographic display showing AI-generated research. This display can include graphs, charts, and idea sparks, reflecting the integration of AI technology in academic work’.

Intentional or purposeful use of AI: developing a clear rationale and approach

Before engaging with any AI tool, you need to have a clear understanding of the specific outcome you wish to achieve. Whether your goal is to obtain a summary of a piece of writing, generate ideas, or refine a section of your open book, having a well-defined objective will enable you to craft precise prompts and direct your interactions with the AI tool more effectively.

Some questions that will help guide your purposeful use of AI include:

• What is the purpose of this task?

Are you looking for assistance with drafting a chapter outline, editing a section of your open book, identifying key themes in a piece of writing, developing an argument, or explaining a concept?

• What specific information or content do you need?

Contextualising what you want AI to help with by providing background information will allow the AI tool to better respond to the scope and aims of your task. Extended explanations beyond brief statements help the AI tool to generate responses that are aligned with your intent.

• Who is your audience?

Are they researchers with advanced knowledge of a field, or are they students who might require more background information and definitions of key terms?

• What are the key points you want to focus on?

Do you want AI to help you organise your ideas in a logical flow, highlighting the most important themes or topics? The prompt should contain a direct task or question that guides the AI tool’s response. Ambiguous, vague or implicit requests may reduce the accuracy and relevance of the AI response.

• What specific guidelines or formatting requirements should you follow?

Are there any specific referencing styles (for example, APA, RMIT Harvard, or Chicago), or journal guidelines relating to word count, structure, and tone, that need to be followed?