Welcome to Making Sense of AI in the Research Process: A Library Introduction. This online series is led by University of Toronto Librarians, providing an open and judgment-free space for learners of all levels to build or refresh their understanding of AI tools and their use in academic research.
You can attend workshops individually or as a complete series. Take a look at the full series of workshops here and choose the sessions that best meet your learning needs!
This is Session 1: Walking the Line with AI
Navigating the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools as a university student can feel overwhelming. This session will introduce the basics of what you need to know to use AI tools ethically and responsibly in your search process as a student at the University of Toronto. Through hands-on activities, using the University’s licensed version of Microsoft Copilot, you will build your foundational awareness of key technical, privacy, and academic integrity considerations.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Explain how GenAI tools work, including the basics of how tools are trained and how they generate outputs.
- Distinguish between University of Toronto licensed AI tools and publicly available tools, understanding the ways in which they differ.
- Identify and adhere to University of Toronto policies and guidelines related to AI use.
- Consider your roles and responsibilities as students, to make ethical and informed decisions about AI use in coursework, assignments, and searching.
Session Logistics
This session is designed for anyone interested in developing or refreshing their understanding of AI. All learning levels are welcome!
- Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Location: Online (Zoom link will be sent upon registration)
If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please contact Mackenzie Blanchett at mackenzie.blanchett@utoronto.ca. Kindly provide as much advanced notice as possible.