Library Guides
Prompting text-based AI, such as Chat GPT, is an iterative process which is like having a conversation. The process of crafting prompts to get the right output is called prompt engineering.
Use a simple prompt to start off that you can build upon.
Use commands that will instruct the AI model to achieve your goal. Place your instructions at the front of the prompt. If it isn't producing what you require, try different keywords, contexts and commands. Some examples of commands are: summarise, translate, classify, list, order, describe etc.
The more descriptive the prompts are, the better the results.
Be specific about the amount of information you require. Some examples may be: List 5 examples, in a short sentence, a brief overview.
This will help AI understand the context and give a more personalised response. For example: Based on summer weather in North Queensland, what are 3 native plants that can be planted in a coastal garden.
These resources can help you improve your prompt engineering skills:
JCU staff and students have access to the LinkedIn Learning suite of training material. LinkedIn Learning has several courses on prompt engineering.
To log into LinkedIn Learning, go to the page below and follow the instructions:
| Type | Purpose | Potential student uses | Considerations | Examples |
| Text gen-AI |
Composes content from a conversational language model. |
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| Image gen-AI |
Creates images based on learned patterns and styles from text descriptions and prompts. |
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| Code gen-AI | Generate or assist in the creation of computer code. |
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| Sound gen-AI |
Generates sounds, music and other auditory content.
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AIVASoundfulMurf.ai |
| Video gen-AI |
Uses images and text to generate video content. |
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| Research discovery and explanation gen-AI |
Generates content to assist the research process.
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