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This week’s blog on Artificial Intelligence was written by ChatGPT. Be sure also to check out our AI book display on the Library’s third floor.

Artificial Intelligence is a field of computer science that focuses on creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence to complete. These tasks can range from simple calculations to complex decision-making processes.

AI has become an integral part of our lives, from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, to recommendation algorithms on Netflix and Amazon. It has revolutionized various industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation, and is continuing to disrupt the way we live and work.

One of the most popular AI models is ChatGPT, a large language model trained by OpenAI. ChatGPT is a state-of-the-art AI model that is capable of generating human-like responses to various prompts. It can understand natural language and respond to questions, engage in conversations, and even generate creative writing like poetry and stories.

ChatGPT's ability to understand and generate natural language has made it an essential tool for various industries. It can be used to improve customer service by providing instant responses to queries, enhance educational platforms by providing personalized feedback to students, and even assist in creative writing by generating ideas and helping writers overcome writer's block.

However, like all AI models, ChatGPT is not without its limitations. Its responses are based solely on the data it has been trained on, which can sometimes result in biased or inappropriate responses. It is also unable to understand the nuances of human emotions, which can make it difficult to provide empathy and compassion in certain situations.

Despite its limitations, ChatGPT and other AI models are continuously being developed and improved to overcome these challenges. As technology advances and data becomes more readily available, AI has the potential to transform the way we live and work in unimaginable ways.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing field that has already made significant impacts on various industries. ChatGPT is just one example of the incredible potential of AI, and we can expect to see more groundbreaking developments in the years to come. However, we must also be aware of the limitations and ethical concerns surrounding AI and strive to create responsible and unbiased AI systems that benefit society as a whole.

Spring is a season of renewal, rejuvenation, and growth. After the cold, dark days of winter, spring brings warmth, light, and color back into our lives. It is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. However, in the academic world, the first day of spring is not a beginning but is a mid-way point, halfway through a semester.

For the earth it is also a midway point. In the Northern Hemisphere, spring begins with the vernal equinox. This is the time when the sun reaches the Earth’s midpoint, the equator, as it moves from south to north. At the equinox both hemispheres receive an equal amount of sun, and the length of night and day are virtually the same. Likewise, the sun rises due east and sets due west everywhere but the Earth’s poles. On the equinox the Earth is in balance evenly split between light and dark, north and south, warm and cold.

The equinox calls us to look for balance. This can be difficult to do, however, when juggling academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social commitments. Prioritizing selfcare – getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly – can be essential in this, improving mental health and academic performance. For a little selfcare break, visit our display of spring children’s books on the first floor and check out the games and other fun items from our Library of Things.

Support and assistance are also vital to finding balance. Having a network of friends, family, and mentors who provide emotional care and guidance can help one cope with challenges. The Loras support system of professors, coaches, and counselors are also key. In the Miller Academic Resource Center you can find Research Assistance with librarians, as well as help from the Writing Center, Math Lab, and Academic Success. Let all these resources help bring you balance this spring.

The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are the oldest, and for many, the most prestigious awards given for artistry and technical merit in film. While the awards have not been without faults and controversy over the last 95 years, ideally they are a celebration of best of movies. And movies are worth celebrating. For over a century, from the earliest silent films to the latest blockbusters, movies have captured our imaginations, transported us to other times and places, and shaped our perception of the people and world around us.

Movies provide the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a different story and escape the stress and problems of life. We are introduced to new characters and places and can embark on adventures that we may not be able to experience in our everyday lives.

As we enter their stories, movies also can help build empathy and understanding. They often tell stories about people from different backgrounds and cultures, exposing us to new perspectives and ways of life. They also can shine new light on our own experiences and self-perception. Together this can help us become more open-minded and compassionate.

Watching movies can be a social experience that strengthens relationships and builds connections. Going to the theater or watching a movie at home can provide a shared experience that can bring people together. It also can be a great way to initiate conversations and discussions about the movie's themes and topics. Additionally, movies show a vast array of relationships. Experiencing these relationships through film may allow us to reflect on and grow our own connections.

Movies also have educational and cognitive value. This is true beyond watching documentaries or historically based films. Studies have shown movies are valuable tools for language learners, aiding with comprehension and understanding. Additionally, movies require our brains to process visual and auditory stimuli simultaneously, which can improve our cognitive processing speed and memory retention.

So next time you watch a movie remember that it is not just a fun pastime, but also an activity that offers a range of benefits for our personal growth and wellbeing. Why not pick up a movie from our Wilke Classic Film Collection today? Several of the films honored during this year’s Oscars are available: The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis; Everything Everywhere All at Once; The Fabelmans; Madres Paralelas = Parallel Mothers; Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris; Tár; and Turning Red. These DVDs are currently on display on the fourth floor along with previous Oscar winners. A portable DVD player can be checked out at the Library Services Desk.

In commemoration of Open Education Week (March 6-10), let’s look more closely at some of the arguments made against Open Educational Resources. Most arguments against OER are based on myths.

Myth: OER are always digital.

A core value of open resources is that content should be multi-platform and multi-format. OER are usually accessed digitally initially but can subsequently change format as the need requires. They can take the form of an online resource, tangible print resource, DVD, computer-based multimedia, etc. They are compatible with different operating systems and web browsers. For students that prefer course materials in tangible print, open textbooks are easily uploaded to print-on-demand services to be printed and bound at cost--still significantly cheaper than purchasing  a print textbook from a commercial publisher.

Myth: Open = Free, Free = Open.

We access free information – websites, podcasts, videos, etc. – on the internet routinely. Does this mean they are open? No.
By definition, OER are free to use, but the real OER magic is that the user is preemptively granted permission to use, copy, adapt, remix, and redistribute open content (depending on the details of the open license) without asking for permission from the author. In contrast, most free internet-based content is still traditionally copyright-protected and can only be properly used within fair use provisions or copyright exceptions.

Myth: OER’s non-traditional publication = lower quality and professionalism

Despite creation outside of the traditional publication process, there are usually still standards and practices in place to ensure equal or better quality of comparable OER. 
•    OER publishers often create similar standards and peer-review to ensure quality. Insistence on proper attribution or and within OER enhances academic credibility. 
•    OER platforms, such as the Open Textbook Library, encourage and collate reviews of their material by faculty to help potential adopters evaluate the material’s strengths and weaknesses.
•    OER can be continuously improved, because copying, adapting, remixing, and redistributing is always possible.
•    Still concerned? A 2018 study found improvements in student learning outcomes when open course materials were used.

Are you convinced to take a step—or several--toward more open materials for your courses? The Library is ready and able to help you identify and select more affordable textbook options for your classes with our OER & Textbook Affordability Consultations. Let us know how we can help!