Various generative artificial intelligence tools
The generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools on offer are quickly changing, many of which are specialized in performing various tasks. Whether you are looking for a free, paid, or purpose-built tool, there is an option to suit your needs. Discover the tools we have selected for their user-friendliness and relevance and learn how to use them successfully in your studies.
What to know before using GenAI tools
Before diving headfirst into using GenAI tools, remember these principles to optimize your experience.
A wide range of tools
GenAI tools cover a wide range of these features. Take the time to choose those that align with your needs.
Progressive learning
Technology is changing quickly! Get familiar with some of the features of these tools and stay abreast of the latest updates so you can benefit from new developments.
An assistant, not a replacement
GenAI tools never replace your critical thinking skills. Always take the time to check, complete, and contextualize the answers it provides. Adopt the reflective process to use these tools properly.
Learn more
GenAI tools for research, writing, and creating presentations
Searching for scientific literature
Answerthis
Strengths
- Extracts relevant, targeted information
- Identifies blind spots
- Develops new avenues of research
- Makes it easy to find answers in the literature.
- Accesses more than 200 million articles
Limitations
- Does not fully understand context
Document analysis
NotebookLM
Strengths
- Generates podcasts from a document
- Advanced annotation and summarization
- Analyzes documents in depth
Limitations
- Depends on the quality of the source documents
Explainpaper
Strengths
- Extracts the key ideas
- Generates summaries explaining publications
Limitations
- Sometimes oversimplifies content
Writing
Microsoft Copilot
Strengths
- Secures data
- Connect with your HEC Montréal address
Limitations
- Generates unreliable citations
- Tends to generalize excessively
Correction
Creating a presentation
Specialized ChatGPT
Strengths
- Helps create a speech and slide content
- Generates text in the desired tone
Limitations
- Produces overly generic content
GenAI tools for studying and creating concept maps
Notetaking
Goodnotes
Strengths
- Offers a natural writing experience
- Enables annotation and asking questions
Limitations
- Can only be used on certain devices
Studying and self-testing
Quizgecko
Strengths
- Generates and shares quizzes
- Makes learning interactive and fun
Limitations
- Requires major time investment
Creating conceptual maps
Claude and Mermaid
Strengths
- Generates Mermaid code via ChatGPT for use in Mermaid
- Easily writes and modifies topics and sub-topics
Limitations
- Often ignores specific context
GenAI tools for data analysis and calculations
Mathematics
Photomath
Strengths
- Solves arithmetic equations on mobile phones
- Guides you step-by-step through solving equations
Limitations
- Limits calculations to basic algebra
WolframAlpha
Strengths
- Calculates and analyzes with powerful technology
- Analyzes, solves, and creates visuals for complex problems
Limitations
- Free version has limited access
- Only available in English
- A great deal of time and effort is required to understand the platform
Spread sheets (Excel and Googlesheet)
GenAI tools to create images, videos, and sound
Image creation
From a text prompt, these tools generate images (illustrations, logos, photos, 3D models, etc.) or modify existing images.
Microsoft Copilot
Strengths
- Excellent integration with other Microsoft tools
- Easily modifies generated images
Limitations
- Impossible to regenerate exactly the same image
Specialized image creation tools
You can try out specialized image generation tools. Below are two of the many options. Note that the free versions of these tools all have limitations, some that are quite significant.
Stable diffusion
Strengths
- Highly customizable with several models
- Can be used locally on your computer
Limitations
- Requires technical knowledge for optimal use
- Provides limited technical assistance for beginners
Questions?
Contact the GenAI work group: