Generative AI creative projects
Student work from an experimental "AI and Writing" course
As the academic landscape continually evolves, integrating cutting-edge technologies into learning experiences has become essential. In our experimental course, ENGL 222X: AI and Writing at Iowa State University, we explored this fascinating intersection, blending artificial intelligence with the art of writing and multimodal communication. Our journey this Fall 2023 semester engaged students from various undergraduate and graduate programs with the goal of understanding and harnessing AI for writing and multimodal communication.
The Course’s Vision and Impact
The course was designed with specific goals: to provide hands-on experience with AI tools for writing, to develop critical perspectives on AI’s capabilities and limitations, and to reflect on the ethical implications of AI-generated content. The curriculum spanned from the history of writing technologies to the mechanics of modern language models, fostering a comprehensive understanding of AI in writing.
Our diverse group of students, encompassing various academic years (first-years, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students) and disciplines, brought unique perspectives to the class. They embarked on a journey that wasn’t just about learning AI technologies but also about weaving their unique skills and disciplinary expertise into creative projects.
Creative Projects
The core of our course was the final creative projects, a showcase of how students could apply AI in real-world contexts. Students were asked to identify an academic, professional, or personal challenge that they would like to address using AI and then develop a multimedia deliverable as part of the project using at least two distinct applications of generative AI technologies.
Students' projects ended up spanning five distinct categories, each reflecting the unique interests and academic backgrounds of our students:
interactive apps
creative multimedia
media production and design
writing assistance
research and analysis
Below, we share examples of student projects, including some screenshots of their final outputs (shared with permission) and students’ brief project “explainers” which allowed them to pitch the fundamental problem that their project addresses and the primary value their solutions offer.
Interactive Apps: Here, students combined technical innovation with creativity. They developed interactive games and storytelling apps, some featuring advanced quizzing mechanisms and spaced repetition with gamification elements. These apps weren't just about engaging content but also about creating interactive experiences that captivated users.
Sustainable Farming: “Navigating the vast landscape of seed options in agriculture just got simpler with Crop Compass. Tailored for farmers and seed sellers alike, our user-friendly interface operates on an intuitive flowchart logic, guiding farmers through a personalized decision-making journey. The result? A curated database of recommended seed options that align with individual operational needs. For seed sellers, this platform provides a direct link to a targeted audience actively seeking solutions. The call to action extends beyond decision-making, empowering users to delve into in-app research and connect with dealers, all with the end goal of advancing regenerative agriculture practices.”
Probability Quiz Practice: “Are you struggling to master fast-paced probability problems for job interviews? Our innovative app tackles this challenge head-on! Designed for learners at all levels, it offers a range of difficulty options in card, dice, and coin games, as well as questions on discrete and continuous random variables and probability distributions. Get instant feedback on your answers, complete with explanations, and track your progress over time. Experience the thrill of improving your skills as you aim to beat your high score in a game-like environment. Ready to enhance your probability problem-solving skills? Download our app now and join us in refining this exciting educational tool by sharing your valuable feedback!”
Python Study Scripts: “Introducing a revolutionary study tool tailored for students seeking a cost-effective and efficient way to master course materials. In a world where academic success often comes with a hefty price tag, our Python-powered script, driven by the intelligence of chatGPT, offers a liberating solution. Designed for simplicity and accessibility, this free program transforms your studying experience... How It Works: Utilizing the program is straightforward. Users initiate the process by following a simple prompting template, tailor-made for their study needs. Generated output is easily translated into a plain text .txt file, residing in the same folder as the Python script. The program engages users in two distinct modes: Normal Mode, prompting users with definitions for terms, and Learn Mode, combining multiple-choice and free-response questions to reinforce understanding.”
Creative Multimedia: This category was a playground for the imagination. Students created Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) characters and campaigns, developed intricate sci-fi and fantasy world bibles, and crafted comic books. They also ventured into multimedia stories and music videos, showcasing their storytelling prowess across different media.
DnD Dungeon Master Guide: “Embarking on a Dungeons and Dragons campaign as a first-time Dungeon Master is an exhilarating journey, but the stress and anxiety of managing unexpected player choices can be overwhelming. Enter our multimodal framework for DnD modules, tailor-made to address these challenges and enhance the creativity of first-time DMs. Picture this: major and minor NPCs, custom backgrounds, and mega-prompts, all at your fingertips. But it doesn't stop there. Our solution goes beyond, providing captivating images for your NPCs and other custom imagery, ensuring your campaign is not only stress-free but visually immersive.”
Similarly, a new TTRPG:
Creative World-Building: “Are you a writer struggling with crafting vibrant and immersive fictional worlds? Introducing our generative AI tool—a breakthrough solution designed to spark your creativity and refine your worldbuilding effortlessly. Say goodbye to creative blocks and tedious brainstorming sessions. Our AI generates intricate descriptions and vivid visuals for every aspect of your fictional realms, from cultures to landscapes, empowering you with boundless inspiration. Not only does it provide instant ideas, but it also serves as a learning platform, guiding you toward mastering the art of compelling worldbuilding. Seamlessly integrate it into your process or craft entire worlds effortlessly. Elevate your storytelling today with our AI-powered worldbuilding assistant!”
Interactive AI Storyteller: “Are you craving a burst of creativity but feeling stuck? Introducing Interactive AI Storyteller, your go-to solution for crafting captivating short stories at the speed of thought. For anyone seeking a spark of inspiration, Interactive AI Storyteller is the key to unlocking a world of limitless storytelling.”
Multimodal Fantasy Story: “Welcome to a new realm of storytelling! Have you ever yearned for a fantasy adventure that goes beyond mere words on a page? Introducing… a groundbreaking adult fantasy novel that breaks barriers with its innovative approach. Within these pages, immerse yourself in a world where words transcend language barriers and illustrations breathe life into every scene and character. Unlike traditional novels, we've blended an existing human language seamlessly into the narrative, inviting you to learn and embrace a new cultural lexicon organically. Our narrative is complemented by AI-generated imagery, painting vivid landscapes and characters, ensuring your imagination soars beyond the confines of text. Join us on this journey where fantasy meets cultural exploration, inviting you to savor a wholly unique experience in storytelling.”
Media Production and Design: In this domain, students harnessed AI to produce compelling digital content. They created TikTok videos, promotional videos, and brochures, each project tailored to specific audiences. Notably, a student employed AI in conceptualizing and designing brand and concept art, demonstrating AI’s utility in the creative process.
Viral Videos: "Your daily dose of joy and laughter! In a world where we crave entertainment and humor, our generative AI project delivers a one-minute video package designed to stimulate, satisfy, and tickle your funny bone. Immerse yourself in visually satisfying content, entertained by an AI voice, and wrap it up with a delightful twist—a joke that guarantees a laugh. Our mission is simple: spread the joy! Experience the hilarity, share the laughter—like, and let the happiness ripple."
Organization Promotional Videos: “With the power of generative AI, our project revolutionizes the video creation process for church ministry communications workers. Tired of the time and hassle it takes to create cohesive and impactful videos for your events or youth group sessions? Our solution harnesses the capabilities of Bing AI for scriptwriting, BeatOven for music creation, and soon, a cutting-edge AI tool for graphics. Imagine a consistent and simplified approach to video creation that aligns seamlessly across all your church activities. Now, empower yourself by exploring AI tools tailored to each step in the video-making process. Transform your video production with innovation, efficiency, and a touch of creative flair!”
Interior Design Art Website: “Transform your living space into a reflection of your unique style with our innovative generative AI art project. Say goodbye to the lack of confidence in home art and decor. Our extensive catalog of AI-generated artworks empowers you to handpick themes and styles that resonate with your persona. No more settling – enjoy affordable decor that truly identifies with who you are. Immerse yourself in a world of options, breaking free from the constraints of expensive artwork. Your home deserves to tell your story. Discover, personalize, and redefine your living space with our AI-driven art collection.”
Writing Assistance and Technical Communication: Students in this category used AI to enhance their writing skills, developing newsletters, blogs, cover letters, and essays. They also created technical communication materials, such as guides for complex games and professional profiles and portfolios, showcasing the versatility of AI in different writing formats.
Student-Focused Motivational Blogs: “Are you a college student grappling with the challenges of time management, procrastination, stress, and organization? Introducing our innovative generative AI project designed to revolutionize your college experience. Dive into a curated collection of blog posts, meticulously generated to provide invaluable insights and strategies for enhancing your time management skills, overcoming procrastination, managing stress, and optimizing organizational habits. Tailored for incoming students and seasoned learners alike, our AI-powered content goes beyond conventional advice. It's not just about reading; it's about transformation. Explore each post, absorb the wisdom, and engage in practical activities at the end of each piece to immediately put newfound skills into action. Elevate your college journey effortlessly. Embrace change, embrace success.”
Cover Letters: “Are you aiming for your dream job but struggling with imposter syndrome, unsure how to stand out? Introducing our AI-powered solution. Our project bridges the gap by crafting tailored cover letters that resonate with both you and the hiring company, erasing doubts and highlighting your unique fit. By aligning your voice with the company’s ethos, we enable you to confidently apply and stand out. Elevate your chances, visit our website, and empower your cover letters for that dream job today!”
Genre-specific Essays: “Introducing an innovative solution for time-strapped writers – our Mega Prompts powered by advanced Language Models (LLMs). Addressing the common challenges of time constraints and idea generation, our project enables users to effortlessly generate comprehensive essays or outlines in minimal time. Designed to cater to various essay types, the Mega Prompts leverage LLMs to not only provide content swiftly but also serve as a valuable tool for learning writing strategies. Elevate your writing experience, save time, and enhance your skills with our Mega Prompts – your go-to solution for efficient and effective essay creation.”
Research and Analysis: Leveraging AI for analytical purposes, students engaged in projects focusing on stock market analysis, news aggregation, and fantasy football strategies. These projects highlighted how AI can be a powerful tool for synthesizing and interpreting large volumes of data.
Stock Market Analysis: “In today's fast-paced investment landscape, time constraints and a lack of expertise can hinder effective stock analysis. Introducing an innovative solution: leveraging generative AI. Our project offers a streamlined approach for investors seeking quick, insightful stock analysis. By using a simple prompt on platforms like ChatGPT, users can input a company name, enabling the AI to gather data from verified sources. This generates concise yet comprehensive stock summaries and predictions, catering to both time-pressed individuals and those new to stock markets. Embrace this transformative AI interaction, offering not just efficient analyses but also advocating for increased AI engagement, fostering novel ideas and prompt solutions. Start exploring the future of investing today.”
News Summary Bot: “In today's fast-paced world, staying informed can be a challenge. With an overwhelming amount of news available, it's difficult to find the time to read full articles. That's where NewsBot comes in. NewsBot is an AI-powered news summarizer that condenses lengthy articles into concise, easy-to-read summaries. It utilizes cutting-edge natural language processing techniques to capture the essence of each article while maintaining its original context and meaning. Whether you're a student juggling multiple assignments or a journalist seeking quick insights, NewsBot is the perfect tool for staying up-to-date on current events without sacrificing valuable time. It's like having a personal news assistant that delivers tailored summaries right to your fingertips.”
Each category, with its distinct projects, underscored the extensive range of applications for AI in writing and communication. From enhancing storytelling in multimedia to aiding research and analysis, these projects illustrated the depth and breadth of AI's capabilities when wielded with creativity and insight.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
These projects allowed students to think critically, apply their knowledge, and reflect on their creative processes, a valuable skill in any field.
As we conclude this semester, the achievements of our students in ENGL 222X stand as a testament to the potential of AI in enriching educational experiences. Their projects, from sustainable farming apps to AI-assisted newsletters, demonstrate the transformative power of integrating AI into diverse fields.
The course, though experimental, has set a precedent for future explorations into the fusion of AI and writing. It has opened avenues for discussions on ethical AI use and prepared our students for a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
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