Examples of generative AI tools and their uses
Manuscript language checking and text generation
AI tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can generate written content.
RMIT’s Val is the recommended AI tool for RMIT. Val allows, for example, uploading a section of writing for language recommendations. Text can be pasted into the text input box, or a document can be uploaded. Val can currently process up to approximately 600,000 words at a time; however, it is best practice to upload either one chapter or one part of your book content at a time. In addition, users can also submit single sentences or paragraphs for rewrite suggestions to enhance grammar, clarity, and flow.
Using a prompt like ‘provide academic writing style feedback on this text’ will result in VAL analysing the text and providing feedback relating to:
- document structure and organization
- academic style and tone
- consistency and precision of terminology
- appropriate level of detail and depth
- where the text may require more evidence, elaboration or illustrative examples to improve claims or arguments
- general writing mechanics such as grammar, punctuation, consistency of tense and sentence and paragraph structure.
While Val offers detailed insights, evaluation of its feedback remains essential. Identifying potential limitations is critical, as Val lacks the capacity to interpret the underlying intent and context of your content.
Important note: Even though other AI tools can provide similar feedback, only Val should be used to upload RMIT content such as unpublished open textbook manuscripts. Val was developed as a private and secure generative AI application to ensure that RMIT’s intellectual property, and other confidential information, is safeguarded.
Reference list checking
You can also use Val to check your reference list for accuracy against the referencing style you are using. Upload your reference list either by pasting it into the text input box or uploading a document by selecting the + icon next to the text input box, then selecting Upload files to upload the file from your device.
Use a prompt such as ‘ensure this reference list is in APA 7th style’.
Always verify the accuracy of Val’s reference list feedback against the relevant style guidelines provided in the Library’s Easy Cite tool.
Important note: Val does not verify cited websites to confirm website names and therefore will not detect inaccuracies, including cases where the word “website” has been incorrectly added to a reference (for example: Australia SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 2024, The goals, SDG website). In addition, Val does not check whether a webpage still exists. It is therefore essential to ensure that all links are current and functional.
Image generation
Tools such as DALL-E and Stable Diffusion generate images from text descriptions. See Figure 3.2 below.
Figure 3.2
An AI-generated image of university research in the future
Note. Image generated using DALL-E from the prompt ‘futuristic university research’.
Music and audio generation
AI systems like Remusic or Soundraw can create original music tracks.
Video and animation
AI tools like Runway or Synthesia generate videos or animations.
Code generation
AI tools such as GitHub Copilot and Amazon Q Developer are capable of writing functional code in languages like Python, JavaScript and more.
