Real World AI for Productivity: Insights from Greg Collins
From Skepticism to Utility: Greg’s AI Journey
Like many, Greg initially approached AI with skepticism. The term “AI” has been around for years, often associated with complex machine learning or even sci-fi concepts. He admits the sheer volume of information and the rapid development of new models (like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc.) can feel overwhelming.
“It’s so hard to put that into layman terms,” Greg notes, reflecting on the technical jargon often surrounding AI. His initial view shifted as he began exploring tools like Google’s Gemini Premium (integrated into Google Workspace) and OpenAI’s ChatGPT (particularly the Mac app).
Practical AI at Work and Home
The conversation quickly turned to concrete examples of how AI is making a difference:
- Polishing Communication: Greg frequently uses Gemini’s “polish” feature within Gmail. While he writes the initial email, the AI helps refine the tone and clarity, especially for professional communications with campus partners or vendors. “It just makes it sound a little better or fixes my mistakes,” he laughs.
- Meeting Management: As a manager of three teams, Greg finds AI indispensable for meetings.
- Agenda Building: Tools like Gemini in Google Docs help structure meeting agendas efficiently. Greg can input key discussion points, and the AI helps format them into a clear outline.
- Note-Taking & Summarization: Greg relies heavily on the AI companion in Zoom for meeting summaries. “I have actually stopped taking meeting notes,” he admits. The AI captures key points and action items, allowing him to be more present during discussions. While acknowledging the AI summaries aren’t always perfect (sometimes hilariously misinterpreting things), they provide a solid foundation.
- Everyday Problem Solving: Moving beyond the professional sphere, Greg shared a relatable example: using ChatGPT to generate recipes based on leftover ingredients. “This is what we have, what should I cook?” The AI suggested recipes he wouldn’t have thought of, demonstrating its utility for simple, everyday tasks.
- Tackling the Mundane: Both Greg and the hosts agreed that one of AI’s most significant immediate benefits is handling mundane tasks – the simple, repetitive things that eat up time. Whether it’s formatting an agenda or drafting a basic email, AI can accelerate the process.
AI Literacy and Navigating the “Fad”
A crucial theme was the importance of AI literacy on campus. Greg highlighted the need to differentiate between the genuinely useful applications and the “fad” aspect where “AI” is slapped onto everything. Wake Forest IS has been proactive, providing resources and guidelines to help users understand:
- What tools are available and vetted: Distinguishing between university-licensed tools with data protection (like Gemini for Workspace, Copilot) and consumer tools where data might be used for training (like free ChatGPT).
- Data Security: Emphasizing that university data should only be used within protected environments.
- Practical Use Cases: Showcasing tools like NotebookLM for organizing research or using AI for brainstorming and overcoming writer’s block.
Greg stressed that while the technology is powerful, users need to learn how to ask the right questions (prompt engineering) and critically evaluate the AI’s output, rather than blindly copying and pasting.
The Future: Augmentation, Not Just Automation
Looking ahead, Greg sees AI primarily as a powerful partner and augmenter of human capabilities, rather than a wholesale replacement. He’s excited about its potential to:
- Enhance Workflows: Freeing up time from routine tasks allows focus on more complex, strategic work.
- Improve Critical Thinking (Indirectly): By forcing users to frame better questions and evaluate responses, AI can actually sharpen thinking skills.
- Personalize Experiences: The potential for AI to tailor information and learning to individual needs (as discussed with personalized learning examples) is vast.
He believes Wake Forest is doing a commendable job navigating this complex landscape, focusing on responsible adoption and providing resources to empower the campus community.
Key Takeaway:
AI is rapidly evolving from a futuristic concept into a tangible set of tools with diverse applications. While apprehension exists, understanding the technology, utilizing vetted resources, and focusing on how AI can augment rather than replace human effort are key to harnessing its benefits effectively – whether you’re drafting an email, planning dinner, or managing complex projects.