New Tools Are on the Horizon...Are You Already Using Them Responsibly?

Artificial Intelligence is no longer over the horizon but sailing into everyday use.

Most available in beta form is ChatGPT which engages testers in dialogue. For example, I asked how to learn to jump serve and here's the reply:

To learn how to jump serve in volleyball, you should first become familiar with the basic mechanics of serving, including proper footwork and arm motion. Then, you can practice jumping while serving to add power and accuracy to your serve.

1. Start by practicing your basic serve and make sure you have the proper form.
2. Next, incorporate a small jump into your serve by jumping off one foot and using the momentum to help generate power in your serve.
3. As you become more comfortable with the jumping motion, increase the height of your jump.
4. Practice your jump serve regularly to build muscle memory and consistency.
5. Get feedback from your coach or a more experienced player to ensure you are using proper technique.

Remember that jumping serve takes some time to master and it's important to not get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing and you will get better. 

Obviously, AI can be a learning tool or something more nefarious. Study it for its content, vocabulary, and grammar. 

I followed this up with the query, "how would I write a poem in the style of Billy Collins?" 

Billy Collins is known for his accessible and relatable poetry that often features everyday objects and scenes. To write a poem in the style of Billy Collins, you might consider the following tips:

1. Start with a relatable subject: Collins often writes about things that are familiar to his readers, such as a childhood memory, a favorite pet, or a scene from nature.

2. Use simple language: Collins is known for his clear and straightforward language, which makes his poetry accessible to a wide range of readers.

3. Incorporate humor: Collins is known for his wit and humor, and his poetry often has a lighthearted and playful tone.

4. Use imagery: Collins's poetry is rich in imagery, and he often uses sensory details to bring his subjects to life.

5. Play with form: Collins often uses traditional forms like the sonnet and haiku in unexpected ways, or creates his own unique forms.

Here's an example of a poem in the style of Billy Collins:

The cat in the corner Stares out the window all day, Watching the world go by, With a look of disdain.

But when the sun goes down And the room is dark and still, She jumps up on my lap, And starts to purr and fill.

The room with her contentment, A soft and soothing sound, Reminding me that life, Can be simple, yet profound.

Remember, this is just a template, and you should always let your own voice and creativity shine through your poetry.

My point is that new tools arise, resources to use to improve our study, our process, and our work product - academics and athletics. Use them wisely.

Lagniappe. I often close a column or blog piece with something extra, lagniappe. Here's what ChatGPT says:

The term "lagniappe" (pronounced "lan-yap") is a Louisiana French word that refers to a small gift or bonus given to a customer in addition to the purchase they have made. It is often used to describe an extra or unexpected item or service given as a gesture of goodwill or generosity.

In the context of retail, it could refer to a complimentary item or service given with a purchase, such as a free item with a purchase of $50 or more. In the food service industry, it's often used in reference to something complimentary given with a meal, like a free dessert or a small appetizer.

The term "lagniappe" is commonly used in the Southern United States, particularly in Louisiana, and it's a way to show appreciation and to create a sense of community and good will.

It can also refer to something that is added to a product or service to make it more desirable, like a bonus feature, or a feature that wasn't expected.

I'm currently reading Making Decisions, by Ed Smith, an English scholar and cricketer. Smith held the 'selector' position for English cricket from 2018-2021 and shares his thoughts on better decision-making by augmenting 'data' (including artificial intelligence) with human creativity. He references Chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov whose system "Advanced chess" added human creativity to the flawless computing power of machines.