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College of Liberal Arts

AI 101

What is A.I.?

Artificial intelligence (A.I) refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks commonly associated with human intelligence, such as recognizing patterns, analyzing information, generating content and making predictions.

Generative AI is a type of AI designed to produce new content, including text, images, audio, video and computer code. Tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Copilot use generative AI.

Large language models, or LLMs, are AI models trained on large amounts of text to identify patterns in language and generate responses. They do not think, understand or know information in the same way people do.

AI systems have limitations. They sometimes produce inaccurate information, fabricated sources, biased results or flawed reasoning. Generative AI might present incorrect information with confidence, so users should independently evaluate and verify its output. NIST refers to this behavior as “confabulation.”

COMMON AI TERMS

Technology designed to perform tasks that normally require human abilities, such as recognizing patterns, analyzing information, making predictions or generating content.

A type of AI that learns patterns from data rather than relying only on explicitly programmed rules. Those patterns help the system make predictions, classifications or decisions when given new information.

AI designed to generate new content based on patterns learned from existing data. Generative AI produces text, images, audio, video, computer code and other forms of content.

A type of AI model trained on large amounts of text to recognize patterns in language and generate responses. LLMs predict likely sequences of words rather than understanding information in the same way a person does.

The information used to train an AI model. Training data might include text, images, audio, video, computer code and other material. The quality and composition of this data influence how an AI system performs.

The question, instruction or information a person provides to a generative AI system. A prompt tells the system what type of response or task the user wants.

An AI system designed to complete tasks with some degree of independence. An agent might gather information, make decisions, use other software or tools, and complete multiple steps toward a defined goal.

A set of rules or instructions a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task. Algorithms are fundamental to AI systems, but not every algorithm uses artificial intelligence.

When generative AI produces false or unsupported information and presents it as if it were accurate. Examples include invented facts, nonexistent sources, incorrect quotations or faulty explanations.

AI-generated or manipulated audio, video or images designed to make a person appear to say or do something they did not. Deepfakes range from entertainment and creative applications to fraud and misinformation.

WHY AI LITERACY MATTERS

AI literacy combines an understanding of artificial intelligence with the critical thinking and judgment needed to engage with it responsibly. AI-literate individuals understand what AI does, recognize its limitations, evaluate its output and make informed decisions about when its use is appropriate.

These skills have a natural connection to the liberal arts. We learn to ask questions, examine evidence, consider context, recognize different perspectives and communicate ideas clearly. Those same habits help us assess information produced by AI.

AI literacy requires us to ask important questions. Where did this information come from? Is the claim supported by evidence? What context or perspectives might be missing? Is the information accurate, fair and trustworthy? It also asks us to consider broader issues surrounding privacy, authorship, intellectual property, ethics and AI’s effects on people and society.

As AI becomes more common in education and the workplace, technical knowledge is only one part of being prepared. Critical thinking, communication, creativity, ethical reasoning, cultural understanding and human judgment remain essential.

AI literacy brings these areas together: understanding the technology while applying the distinctly human skills at the heart of a liberal arts education.

Want to learn more?

Explore Artificial Intelligence at NIST