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Appendix: Staying Current with Generative AI

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Artificial Intelligence won’t stop evolving just because this course is complete. To thrive in higher education, in your career, and as a lifelong learner, you’ll need habits and resources that help you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Think of this appendix as your GenAI survival guide—a way to keep your compass pointing forward as the world of technology shifts.

Follow Trusted Sources

Not all AI information online is reliable (spoiler: TikTok isn’t peer-reviewed). Instead, try building a mix of academic, professional, and popular sources into your routine:

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Set up a Google Alert for keywords like “Generative AI in education” or “AI career skills.” It delivers fresh content straight to your inbox.

Learn by Doing

The best way to keep up is to play. Pick one tool you haven’t tried (maybe a new writing assistant like Claude, or a design app like Canva Magic Studio), and test it on a safe, low-stakes project:

  • Write your résumé summary in three different AI platforms—compare which feels most authentic.
  • Use an AI brainstorming tool for your next essay outline—notice how it changes your approach.
  • Create a mini digital art piece with Firefly or Canva, even if you’re “not an artist.”

Every experiment teaches you both the strengths and limits of AI.

Stay Aligned with Your Campus

Universities update their AI policies often (sometimes each semester). Staying current with syllabi, faculty announcements, and institutional guidelines helps you avoid missteps. At UT San Antonio and across Texas, schools are experimenting with guidelines that balance innovation and integrity.

Remember: using AI responsibly is not only about compliance but also about building your own credibility.

Build Your Community

Don’t go it alone—AI literacy grows when shared. Join LinkedIn groups, Discord communities, or student organizations that focus on technology, creativity, or entrepreneurship. Faculty champions and peer mentors can also introduce you to tools and uses you may not discover on your own.

Think of AI like gaming—you level up faster when you play in co-op mode.

Think Globally, Act Locally

AI has implications for social mobility, especially in Texas, where education is a key driver of opportunity. Staying current helps you:

  • Compete for internships and jobs in industries using AI.
  • Apply AI skills to community and civic projects.
  • Ensure that you are shaping technology to serve people, not just the other way around.

The AI world is evolving, but so are you. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and remember—you’re not just keeping up, you’re helping shape the future.

License

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