RESEARCH AND AI:
Principles and Practices for Using AI Tools
A Library 2.0 "AI Deep Dive" Workshop with Reed Hepler
OVERVIEW:
This 90-minute workshop explores the transformative potential of AI in academic research and digital information literacy.
We will address both the advantages and limitations of AI tools, focusing on aspects such as information gathering, critical analysis, and responsible use. We will examine tools like ChatGPT, Semantic Scholar, and Perplexity for streamlining the research process, including conducting literature reviews, refining search queries, and organizing information sources.
The session also tackles AI's known pitfalls, such as "hallucinations," biases, and programmed rapport, which may unintentionally shape perceptions of AI’s capabilities. By understanding AI’s inner workings, attendees will be better prepared to use these tools effectively while maintaining a critical perspective.
We will further describe strategies for developing critical thinking skills tailored to AI's unique outputs, emphasizing the SIFT framework for evaluating accuracy, bias, and relevance in AI-generated responses. Through practical exercises, attendees will learn to ask the right questions, examine outputs for logical consistency, and assess potential bias within AI responses. The webinar will underscore the role of critical thinking in using AI ethically, especially as these tools evolve in sophistication and potential influence. By exploring these topics, the session aims to empower researchers and information professionals to use AI tools thoughtfully, benefiting their research and fostering digital literacy.
Finally, we will focus on integrating AI into the research workflow responsibly, exploring techniques for quality-checking AI outputs, identifying misinformation and disinformation, and evaluating sources for credibility. Practical demonstrations and real-world examples will illustrate these concepts, preparing participants to navigate the complexities of digital information sources in a rapidly changing landscape. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on employing AI tools to enhance their research and information literacy practices.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Understand the functions and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT, Semantic Scholar, and Perplexity in academic research
- Develop critical thinking skills tailored to assessing AI-generated information, including identifying bias and evaluating accuracy
- Gain practical techniques for integrating AI responsibly into the research workflow
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completing this webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Use AI tools to assist with literature reviews, refine search queries, and summarize research findings
- Identify and critically evaluate potential biases, inaccuracies, and sources of misinformation in AI-generated responses
- Create structured research outputs by synthesizing, organizing, and quality-checking information using AI tools, fostering responsible and informed digital literacy practices
This 90-minute online hands-on workshop is part of our Library 2.0 "Ethics of AI" Series. The recording and presentation slides will be available to all who register.
DATE: Friday, December 13th, 2024, 2:00 - 3:30 pm US - Eastern Time
COST:
- $129/person - includes live attendance and any-time access to the recording and the presentation slides and receiving a participation certificate. To arrange group discounts (see below), to submit a purchase order, or for any registration difficulties or questions, email admin@library20.com.
TO REGISTER:
Use the payment box above to register and pay. You can pay by credit card. You will receive an email within a day with information on how to attend the webinar live and how you can access the permanent webinar recording. If you are paying for someone else to attend, you'll be prompted to send an email to admin@library20.com with the name and email address of the actual attendee.
If you need to be invoiced or pay by check, if you have any trouble registering for a webinar, or if you have any questions, please email admin@library20.com.
NOTE: please check your spam folder if you don't receive your confirmation email within a day.
SPECIAL GROUP RATES (email admin@library20.com to arrange):
- Multiple individual log-ins and access from the same organization paid together: $99 each for 3+ registrations, $75 each for 5+ registrations. Unlimited and non-expiring access for those log-ins.
- The ability to show the webinar (live or recorded) to a group located in the same physical location or in the same virtual meeting from one log-in: $399.
- Large-scale institutional access for viewing with individual login capability: $599 (hosted either at Learning Revolution or in Niche Academy). Unlimited and non-expiring access for those log-ins.
ALL-ACCESS PASSES: This webinar is not a part of the Library 2.0 or Learning Revolution All-Access programs.
BONUS:
A one-hour recorded in-depth look at the brand-new Google Deep Research which will be available early the week after the workshop.
Reed Hepler is a digital initiatives librarian, instructional designer, artificial intelligence practitioner and consultant, and M.Ed. student at Idaho State University in the Instructional Design and Technology program. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, with emphases in Archives Management and Digital Curation, from Indiana University. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in History with minors in Anthropology and Religious Studies as well as a Museum Certificate. He has worked at nonprofits, corporations, and educational institutions encouraging information literacy and effective education. Combining all of these degrees and experiences, Reed strives to promote ethical librarianship and educational initiatives.
Currently, Reed works as a Digital Initiatives Librarian at a college in Idaho and also has his own consulting firm, heplerconsulting.com. His views and projects can be seen on his LinkedIn page or his blog, CollaborAItion, on Substack. Contact him at reed.hepler@gmail.com for more information.
