What is Generative AI?
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a type of artificial intelligence that creates new content — text, images, audio, code, ideas — based on patterns it has learned from vast amounts of data. Unlike traditional AI, which focuses on analyzing and predicting past data, generative AI can assist with brainstorming, problem-solving, analyzing, and content creation. For education abroad, generative AI has incredible potential to transform the way we work - from streamlining our workflows to helping inform our decision-making.
Traditional AI, which has been around for decades, primarily focuses on rule-based systems, predictive analytics, and machine learning models that analyze past data. However, the major breakthrough in 2021-2022 that made generative AI a literal game changer was the dramatic improvement in large-scale language models (LLM)—particularly OpenAI’s GPT. And the kicker? OpenAI made this technology publically accessible, which allowed their AI model to grow and learn exponentially. And there you have it: AI went from being a niche tool to a mainstream force reshaping the way we work, ideate, and create.
A Large Language Model (LLM) is a type of generative artificial intelligence trained on massive amounts of text to understand, create, and respond to human language in a natural way. LLMs power generative AI tools, enabling them to assist with writing, answering questions, decision-making, and even creative problem-solving. In education abroad, LLMs can streamline communication, enhance advising, and support innovation—helping professionals work smarter and more efficiently.