In 2017, Stephen Hawking warned at the Web Summit technology conference in Portugal that “Success in creating effective AI could be the biggest event in the history of our civilization. Or the worst. We just don’t know.” (CNBC)

Since then, artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI powered by large language models, has been described by scholars and commentators in dramatically different ways: as a transformative, world-changing technology on one side, and as an uncontrolled force leading toward serious social and ethical risks on the other.

You may be asking:

• So how will AI affect education? (UNESCO,  AAUP)
• How should educators respond? (EdTech,  Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Ed.,  NEA, The Education Magazine)
• What impacts does it have on learning? (Cornell,  CHI 2025)

Wherever you may fall on the spectrum, from enthusiasm to skepticism, concern or curiosity, one point is clear, AI is not going away. It is already being used by people all over the world, and hundreds of companies are investing in its development. As such, it warrants the thoughtful attention of higher education.  (JAR, UCSD).
To support faculty in exploring both the benefits and limitations of this technology, the University of Houston provides access to three generative AI tools. Microsoft Copilot and Google Workspace tools including Gemini and NotebookLM, are available to all faculty. Access to ChatGPT is also available; please consult your department IT services for information on licensing options.

These tools offer a starting point for thoughtful exploration of the use of this technology in the university setting.

 

Copilot

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an AI-powered assistant embedded within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It integrates with Microsoft Graph and applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams to provide context aware assistance based on a user's Microsoft 365 data. Copilot is designed to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and support content creation in Microsoft tools. Faculty may purchase annual Copilot licenses by contacting software@uh.edu.

Key Benefits

• Strongest when used with Microsoft 365 data and applications.
• Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.
• Enhances productivity by automating routine tasks and workflows using organizational data.
• Enables in app content creation and editing.
• Enterprise-grade security and compliance within the Microsoft 365 environment.

Faculty Use Case Strengths

While generative AI is a good tool for many things, Copilot is particularly well suited for:

• Drafting Outlook emails, Word documents, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Summarizing meetings and generating notes and summaries in Teams.
• Assisting with Excel analysis, formulas, and data interpretation.
• Brainstorming ideas and outlining content.

For more information on Copilot,  see:  Microsoft Copilot | University Information Technology | University of Houston 

 

ChatGPT

ChatGPT  is a general purpose, AI-powered conversational assistant designed to support a wide range of diverse tasks including writing analysis, research support, and coding. It excels at reasoning across topics and maintaining context throughout a conversation, making it a flexible tool for teaching, learning, and creative work. ChatGPT Edu is currently in trial phase at the University of Houston. As of now, all procured licenses have been issued. If you would like to be added to waitlist, please fill in this form .

Key Benefits

• Strong reasoning and task support across disciplines.
• Effectively uses context from earlier parts of a conversation.
• Highly flexible for creative, analytical, and instructional tasks.
• Operates as a stand-alone tool that can function like a tutor, writer, analyst, strategist, or brainstorming partner based on your instructions.
  Supports text, image, and code-based tasks.
• Can integrate with external workflows and tools (depending on configuration).
   

Faculty Use Case Strengths

While generative AI is a good tool for many things, ChatGPT is especially effective for:

• Drafting course materials, syllibi, and instructional content.
• Exploring research questions and interdisciplinary connections.
• Brainstorming teaching strategies and course design ideas. 
• Supporting coding instruction, debugging, and explanations.
• Creating templates, frameworks, lesson plans and project outlines.

More Information

 

Google Workspace including Gemini and NotebookLM 

Gemini is Google's AI-powered assistant integrated into Google Workspace, including tools such as Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Google Classroom. Gemini provides conversational assistance for content creation, analysis, and problem solving, with access to current web information. NotebookLM, a companion tool, allows faculty to ground AI responses in uploaded course materials, articles, or datasets for more targeted analysis, instruction, and learning support. Faculty may access Google Workspace by selecting the AccessUH Google Workspace icon    
Google Workspace should be in your AccessUH selection. If it is not, select the following link and then click on the Google License Request Form Button at the bottom of the page. Google Workspace | University of Houston

Key Benefits

• Integrated directly into Google Workspace and Google Classroom.
• Strong general reasoning, data interpretation and task support.
• Access to up-to-date information via web connectivity.
• NotebookLM enables AI assistance grounded in faculty-provided sources.
• Supports creative tasks across text, images, and multimedia.
• Advanced capabilities for visual, audio, and video-based content creation. 
  
  

Faculty Use Case Strengths

While generative AI is a good tool for many things, Gemini and NotebookLM are particularly effective for:

• Guided learning and concept explanation.
• Creating personalized practice quizzes and flashcards using course materials.
• Developing visual explanations and multimedia learning resources.
• Generating audio overviews of articles and papers for on the go use.
• Drafting course outlines, assignments, assessments, rubrics, and syllabus language.

More Information

 

Generative AI Comparison Table:

Responsible and Appropriate Use

Generative AI is a useful support tool, but it must be used responsibly and safely. Please remember:

Do not enter confidential, sensitive, or student-identifiable information (Data Classification Level 1 or 2; see: Data Classification and Protection). Our license provides security where any UH data/chats are not shared with others or used for training models.
Content produced by generative AI may contain errors, bias, and/or fabricated information.
Outputs should always be reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness.
Generative AI should support, not replace, faculty expertise and professional judgment.
 

Faculty are encouraged to consider how AI use aligns with course learning objectives, academic integrity expectations, and the University of Houston AI Guidelines: https://uhsystem.edu/offices/information-security/resources/artificial-intelligence/index.php