AI Apps: Text Generation
With the introduction of ChatGPT in November of 2022, AI chatbots have become part of the conversation in the world of education and technology. Generative AI such as chatbots run on a large language model (LLM) which helps the program craft human-like responses and respond to diverse queries effectively. For example, the LLM powering Copilot is a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT), which is rapidly evolving in the breadth of its capabilities with each new version that has launched. However, it’s important to recognize that these language models have their limitations, including potential biases, inaccuracies, and reliance on predetermined data sets.
Faculty, staff and students have access to Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. To gain a quick overview of these tools please refer to the table below. For a more in-depth analysis of each tool, continue scrolling down this page. During your exploration, learn more about how to write productive prompts to get the most of these tools.
| Large Language Model (LLM) | Subscription Model | Distinctions | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Copilot | Free Copilot Chat (Basic) for Montclair Users
(To sign in: select “Continue with Microsoft”, enter your Montclair email, & select “Work” experience) |
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| Google Gemini | Free & Paid – Gemini Advanced
(To sign in: enter your Montclair email then sign with your NetID@montclair.edu credentials) |
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Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is both a stand-alone text generator in addition to an Office 365 workspace integration and utilizes the ChatGPT 4 large language model.
Access Copilot with Enterprise Data Protection by visiting copilot.microsoft.com. Log in with the “Continue with Microsoft” login option, then by using your NetID@montclair.edu credentials to ensure your work is protected under Montclair State University’s enterprise security standards.
Like Google Gemini, Copilot is able to integrate search results from its engine to supplement the timestamped shortcomings of its dataset. Additionally, it offers the functionality to upload files, generate images, chat with voice, and users can toggle between output tone styles.
Copilot users also have the ability to build Agents, tailored chatbots trained on custom knowledge and data. Similar to Gemini's Gem tool, Agents can be configured and shared with others.
You can access the browser-based version of Microsoft Copilot with your Montclair credentials which provides enterprise data protection. The mobile Copilot application does not require users to log in, however an account is needed to access the “Talk” feature, which the browser-based version does not include. To use the standalone Copilot mobile app, you must log in with a personal Microsoft 365 account. Your Montclair NetID credentials will not permit access to the mobile app, only the web-based version. Your input will not have enterprise data protection when using the mobile app with personal credentials.
Google Gemini
Google Gemini is Google’s large language model and AI text generator. Similar to Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini is both a stand-alone text generator as well as an integrated Google Workspace tool. Google Gemini is able to leverage its search engine to reference current information in its output and can generate images based on a prompt. Gemini offers the ability to make quick edits to output that include modifying the tone and length of responses generated along with the ability to toggle between multiple drafts of output.
Access Gemini with Enterprise Grade Data Protection by visiting gemini.google.com. Log in with your Montclair email account, then by using your NetID@montclair.edu credentials to ensure your work is protected under Montclair State University’s enterprise security standards.
Similar to Microsoft’s Copilot Agents, Google offers Gemini Gems, customized chatbots which can be trained on your subject matter. Learn more about available Gemini Models.