Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that encompasses a range of technologies designed to perform tasks that traditionally require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, learning, language processing, and decision-making. From machine learning algorithms to neural networks, AI is increasingly shaping industries like healthcare, finance, and technology. This guide provides an overview of key AI concepts, resources, and tools to help you navigate the academic landscape of AI, whether you're conducting research, exploring ethical considerations, or looking to deepen your understanding of this transformative technology.

Virginia Peninsula Community College does not have a college-wide policy regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or large language models (LLM) in classes. It is recommended that you check your individual course's syllabus for the instructor's policy on using AI, use AI responsibly by citing usage whenever it occurs, and become familiar with AI hallucinations to avoid misinformation and plagiarism. 

• Definitions

  • Misinformation is false or inaccurate information shared unintentionally, whereas disinformation is deliberately false information intended to mislead. Fake news is a form of disinformation, often designed to resemble legitimate news articles but created to manipulate readers. 

• Why Misinformation Spreads

  • Confirmation bias: People tend to believe and share information that aligns with their existing beliefs.

  • Need for belonging: Social dynamics reinforce misinformation within like-minded communities. 

  • Herd Mentality: Popularity of a claim can falsely validate its truth. 

  • Conspiracy Thinking: In times of uncertainty, emotionally charged narratives gain traction. 

• The Role of Technology

  • ​​​​​​​Artificial intelligence can generate realistic but false content, including deepfakes and fabricated articles. Bots can amplify false narratives, making misinformation appear widely accepted. 

• How  to Spot Misinformation

  • ​​​​​​​Use multiple reputable sources to cross-check information. (See below for lateral-reading tips!)

  • Investigate the credibility of the source and author. 

  • Use trusted fact-checking platforms. 

  • Be skeptical of viral content and verify before sharing. 

• Countering Misinformation

  • ​​​​​​​Debunk false claims by explaining why they are incorrect, not just labeling them as false.

  • Amplify the voices of credible experts and peer-reviewed sources.

  • Promote media literacy and critical thinking skills. 

• Talking to someone who believes misinformation

  • ​​​​​​​Stay calm and avoid confrontation.

  • Listen actively and validate concerns. 

  • Ask thoughtful questions about sources and evidence. 

  • Clarify the difference between facts and opinions. 

  • Share tools for verification and recommend trusted sources. 

(Source: UNICEF, 2025)

Before you use an AI tool for your VPCC schoolwork, make sure to review your instructor's AI policy, and cite your source.

• Be specific
  • Adding context and being specific, clear, and concise will generate better responses and reduce the likelihood of inaccurate ones.
  • Example: Instead of saying "Write a story," you could say "Write a short, 1 paragraph, humourous, fiction story for children about a bear." 
• "Act as if..." 
  • Telling AI to "act as if" will prompt it to emulate a role and generate responses from that perspective.
  • Example: You could say, "Give me a recipe for apple pie." Or, you could say, "Act as if you are my personal trainer and create a healthy recipe for apple pie," to generate a healthier option than the earlier, more generic prompt. 
• How would you like the output to be presented?
  • AI can generate more than just a text response. Use the prompt to indicate your preference for code, stories, synopses, and so on.
  • Example: "Create an outline that contains the following information..." 
• "Do" & "Don't"
  • Tell AI what you do and do not want while writing your prompt to save time. 
  • Example: "Act as if you are my personal trainer and create a healthy recipe for apple pie. Do not use Granny Smith apples. Do use Red Delicious apples." 
• Use examples
  • It's ok to give AI examples of what you want your output to look like. Often, you can upload files or links to do this.
  • Example: "Using this spreadsheet as an example, create a graph using the following data..." 
• Tone & Audience
  • Provide AI with specific details about the tone you would like to establish and your target audience. 
  • Example: Instead of saying "Write a story," you could say "Write a short, 1 paragraph, humourous, fiction story for children about a bear." 
• Build on previous prompts.
  • Don't worry about getting all the details in on one prompt. You can build upon your prompts to get AI to adjust the output to where you want it to be. 
• Mistakes & Feedback 
  • While you are building on your previous prompts, correct mistakes that the AI has given you, and provide it with feedback on how to make changes. Do not accept everything the AI says as accurate, true, or authoritative without verifying it. 

Source: Harvard University: Getting started with prompts for text-based Generative AI tools

As a Writing Center, we aim to provide students with learning support and guidance and empower them in their writing journeys. Critical thinking, analysis, continuous growth, and creativity are the cornerstones of writing and key elements necessary for student success; we strive to foster these qualities in each session. Generative AI can be a useful supplementary tool for writing or conducting research. However, our Writing Center approaches this from a balanced perspective and believes if one chooses to use these tools, they must do so effectively and ethically. Writing is a human-first activity, not something that is merely technologically generated. We emphasize that students must be mindful of their instructors’ AI policies, adhere to the policies put forth in their syllabi, and correctly cite their use of AI in their writing to ensure academic integrity. 

Ways to use AI:

• Brainstorming (guided questioning, concept mapping, etc.)
• Creating an outline for organization purposes
• Formatting citations 

• Grammar help

However, you must exercise caution when using information from AI or using it to create citations. ALWAYS double check AI-generated content because it can often produce inaccurate or outright false information. AI, like humans, is imperfect and can be wrong!

Do NOT use AI to:

• Write your paper for you
• Come up with your paper’s topic (core ideas and analysis should come from you)
• Replace critical reading and research (AI can sometimes generate citations that are incorrect or fabricated, so the writer must verify the authenticity of sources it suggests and not rely on AI-generated summaries of works)

Citing AI-Generated Content

If your instructor allows AI usage, you must CITE to ensure academic integrity. If you do not do so, you will be reported for plagiarism. 

This Generative AI Citation Guide from Germanna Community College provides examples of how to properly cite your AI usage in multiple citation styles.