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Unit 2 | AI in Action: Learning with GenAI in Higher Education

Section 2.2: Popular Generative AI Tools

GenAI Tool Comparison

AI Tools like ChatGPT Gemini Claude Copilot Perplexity and Grok

Navigating the GenAI Tool Landscape: A Quick Guide

This comparison chart outlines the distinct functions of a few GenAI tools, highlighting their unique strengths for various academic and creative tasks, from writing and research to visual design and data analysis. The scenarios provided demonstrate how each tool, such as Microsoft Copilot for drafting and Perplexity for research, is best utilized for specific purposes.

View the comparison chart below to see the powerful GenAI tools available to universities.

Tool Best For Key Features Example Scenario
Visuals + creativity Generate images from prompts Create a social media ad mock-up in school colors
🖼️Canva AI
 Design + presentations Magic Design, templates, visuals Build a professional group presentation quickly
Brainstorming, drafting, role-play Conversational back-and-forth, idea generation, explanations Practice Q&A for a public speaking class by role-playing an audience
Careful analysis, structured writing Detailed, nuanced responses, outline support Organize class notes into an essay outline
Collaboration + Google integration Works inside Docs, Sheets, Slides Analyze spreadsheet data and auto-generate charts + slide bullets
Everyday productivity Summarizing, outlining, generating questions Turn a messy draft into a clean outline or prep for interviews
Research support Provides sources and citations for credibility Summarize research on urban migration trends and follow linked studies

lightbulbYou don’t need to master every tool at once. Start with one or two that fit your current project needs. Over time, you’ll build a diverse GenAI skill set that makes you faster, more creative, and more effective in both school and work. 

 

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AI Essentials for Higher Ed Students Copyright © 2025 by The University of Texas at San Antonio. All Rights Reserved.

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