Module 1 · AI Primer
AI Primer
Objectives
- 1.1 Explain why employers expect AI skills, and the real costs of AI. (Course Competency 1; Understand)
- 1.2 Explain in plain terms how a large language model produces an answer, and why it can be wrong. (Course Competency 1; Understand)
- 1.3 Write, test and revise a prompt, and verify the result against a source. (Course Competency 3; Apply)
- 1.4 Explain your own position on using AI in creative work, citing evidence. (Course Competency 1; Understand)
This assignment measures Module Objectives 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4, which support Course Competencies 1 and 3.
Overview
This assignment practices the AI skills the rest of the course uses: writing a prompt, revising it, and checking what comes back. It also asks you to state where you stand on AI in design, with evidence. You are graded on your reasoning, not on your opinion.
Instructions
- Prompt and revisions. In Gemini with your Maricopa account, write a prompt about a graphic design topic (for example, “Explain the difference between kerning and tracking for a first-semester design student”). Revise it twice using role, task, context and format. Paste all three prompts and one sentence on what changed in the answer.
- Fact-check. Choose three claims from Gemini’s final answer. For each, give the source that confirms or corrects it (a library database, Google Fonts Knowledge, or the course reading). Record one of the three checks as a 60- to 90-second narrated screen recording that shows you opening the source; share it unlisted.
- Position. In 100 to 150 words, explain where you stand on using AI in creative work. Cite two sources from the Module 1 readings.
- AI-use log. Start your AI-use log (a Google Sheet you keep all term) with its first row: tool, what you asked, what you kept or changed.
Post your position (part 3) to #avc183-graphic-design-1 by noon the day before the due date, then reply respectfully to three classmates who see it differently. Each reply names one point you find persuasive and one question you still have.
AI use
Assigned AI use: Gemini, Maricopa account, for the prompt and answer only. The fact-check, the recording and the position are your own work. Record every use in your AI-use log. Gemini is used only with your Maricopa account.
How it is scored
| Criterion | Objective | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Prompt and two revisions, with what changed | 1.3 | 3 |
| Three claims checked against named sources; one shown in a narrated recording | 1.2 | 3 |
| Position of 100 to 150 words citing two sources | 1.4 | 2 |
| AI-use log started | 1.1 | 1 |
| Discord post, three replies, alt text or caption on media | 1.4 | 1 |
| Total | 10 | |
Due
Post to Discord for critique: Wednesday, January 27, 12:00 p.m. Arizona time
Due in Canvas: Thursday, January 28, 12:00 p.m. Arizona time
Hard close: Friday, January 29, 12:00 p.m. Arizona time. Work submitted after the due time and before the hard close loses 10 percent. Nothing is accepted after the hard close.