Part I

After reviewing the UMGC Library's Artificial Intelligence Guide, especially the "For Students," "Prompting AI," and "Citing AI" sections, the most important takeaway is the focus on using AI tools responsibly and ethically in schoolwork. The guide explains how to use AI to support learning while still following academic rules (University of Maryland Global Campus [UMGC], 2024).

The "For Students" section explains how to use and give credit for AI help in assignments properly. The "Prompting AI" section gives tips on asking AI the right questions to get useful answers. The "Citing AI" section explains how to correctly cite AI-generated content and reminds students not to rely on AI instead of thinking for themselves.

Overall, the guide is a helpful resource for students learning how to use AI smartly and honestly.

Part 2

This paragraph was super interesting for me: "In sickle cell anemia, the hemoglobin chain has a single amino acid substitution, causing a change in both the structure and function of the protein. What is most remarkable to consider is that a hemoglobin molecule is made up of two alpha chains and two beta chains that each consist of about 150 amino acids. The molecule, therefore, has about 600 amino acids. The structural difference between a normal hemoglobin molecule and a sickle cell moleculethat dramatically decreases life expectancyis a single amino acid of the 600." (University of Maryland Global Campus, 2025, p. 13).

AI Prompt:

How does such a tiny change, just one out of 600 amino acids, create such a major difference in a person's health?

"Think of building a very detailed LEGO spaceship with 600 pieces. Every brick matters to make it fly right. Now imagine that one small piece, like a curved wing brick, is swapped for a flat square one. The whole design becomes unbalanced. The ship can't fly the same, and parts might jam or fall apart.

That's what happens in sickle cell anemia. Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, is made up of 600 amino acids. In sickle cell disease, just one amino acid is wrong. This tiny mistake changes the shape of the whole protein.

Instead of staying round and soft like a donut, the red blood cells turn stiff and crescent-shaped. These sickle cells don't flow easily through blood vessels, they get stuck, causing blockages and pain. They also break apart faster, causing anemia.

So, even though it's one small change in the building plan, it causes a big problem, just like one wrong LEGO brick can ruin the function of the entire model."

Part 3

What is your opinion of the AI answer? Honestly, I thought the AI answer was well done. It was clear, accurate, and surprisingly engaging. I especially liked the LEGO analogy; it made the concept of how one small change in a protein can have a huge impact much easier to understand. It was short, to the point, and hit the mark on what the prompt asked for.

How does the AI output compare to how you would have answered that question in your own words? If I were answering the question myself, I think I would have learned more into the scientific explanation and skipped the analogy. That probably would've made my version more technical and maybe a little harder to follow, especially for a younger audience. The AI's use of a simple, relatable comparison helped explain the idea in a way I might not have thought of on my own.

How much experience did you have using generative AI tools prior to this activity? I've used ChatGPT before to help brainstorm ideas or rephrase things, and I've played around with Copilot a little, I haven't used it in other UMGC classes yet, but I can definitely see how helpful it can be for breaking down tough topics or giving you a fresh perspective, as long as you double-check the info and use it responsibly.

Reflect on what you have learned from this activity, both your own results and that of the other students.

Reflect on how do you feel about using generative AI tools as a study partner, or for help with assignments? Do you have any concerns?