Choose the Tool That Fits the Learning Task

AI tools can support writing, studying, organization, research, practice, and many other learning tasks. But different tools are designed for different purposes, and a tool that is useful in one situation may be a poor choice in another.

In this activity, you will evaluate an AI tool by looking at what it does, what information it needs, how it may affect your learning, and whether it fits the expectations of your course.

Learning Goals

By completing this activity, you will:

Evaluate whether an AI tool fits a specific learning need.
Consider usefulness, reliability, privacy, accessibility, cost, and course expectations.
Identify questions to ask before entering information into an AI tool.
Distinguish between a tool being available and a tool being appropriate for a particular task.
Decide whether AI, another technology, a course resource, or a person would be the better source of support.

Step 1: Start with the Learning Need

Before choosing a tool, decide what you are actually trying to accomplish.

You might want to:

study for an exam;
practice explaining a concept;
brainstorm possible ideas;
organize a project;
get feedback on something you already wrote;
work with a set of course readings or notes; or
create practice questions.

Start with, “What am I trying to learn or do?” Then ask which tool—if any—fits that need.

Step 2: Choose a Tool to Examine

Choose an AI tool you have used, heard about, or are interested in exploring. It might be a general AI assistant, study tool, writing tool, source-based tool, or an AI feature built into another application.

You might consider:

Google Gemini;
Google NotebookLM;
Nectir.AI;
Microsoft Copilot;
ChatGPT;
Grammarly;
QuillBot;
Khanmigo; or
another AI-enabled tool you already know about.

You do not need to create a new account, upload course materials, or purchase anything for this activity. You can evaluate a tool using its available descriptions, documentation, or features.

Step 3: Evaluate the Tool Through Eight Questions

1. Purpose:
Does this tool actually support the learning task I identified?

2. Learning:
Will the tool help me think, practice, organize, question, or understand—or will it mostly complete the task for me?

3. Reliability:
What kinds of errors could the tool make, and how would I verify important information?

4. Privacy:
What information would I need to enter? Am I sharing anything private, sensitive, personal, or unnecessary?

5. Course Expectations:
Does my instructor allow this tool or this type of AI assistance for the task?

6. Accessibility:
Can I use the tool effectively with the technology or accessibility features I need?

7. Access and Cost:
Does the tool require a paid subscription, special account, trial period, or other requirement that affects whether I can use it?

8. Transparency:
Do I understand what the tool is doing well enough to evaluate the result and explain how I used it if required?

Step 4: Look More Closely at What You Would Share

Before entering information into an AI tool, think about what you would need to provide.

Be cautious about sharing:

passwords or account information;
student identification numbers;
private or personally identifiable information about yourself or another person;
another student's work;
private messages or conversations;
confidential College or workplace information; or
course materials that you do not have permission to upload to an external service.

Ask yourself:

Is this information necessary for the task, is it mine to share, and is this an appropriate place to share it?

Step 5: Compare the Tool with Other Options

AI is only one possible learning resource.

Ask whether the same need might be better served by:

your textbook or course materials;
your instructor;
a tutor;
a librarian;
a classmate;
a calculator, reference tool, or other non-AI technology; or
another AI tool better suited to the task.

A tool is not the right choice simply because it can perform the task.

Step 6: Make an Initial Decision

Based on what you found, choose the description that best fits:

Good Fit: The tool appears appropriate for the learning task, and I understand how I would use it responsibly.

Useful with Limits: The tool could help, but I would restrict what I ask it to do or what information I provide.

Need More Information: I still have questions about privacy, accessibility, reliability, cost, or course expectations.

Choose Something Else: Another resource or tool would better support the learning goal.

Your decision can change depending on the task. A tool that is a good fit for brainstorming may not be a good fit for research, writing, private information, or an assignment where AI use is restricted.

College-Supported Does Not Mean Appropriate for Everything

Merced College may provide access to AI tools such as Gemini, NotebookLM, or Nectir.AI. College-supported access can make a tool easier to use in an educational environment, but it does not mean every tool is appropriate for every course, assignment, type of information, or learning task.

Use your instructor's directions and current College guidance when deciding how a tool should be used.

Before You Continue

I started with a specific learning need rather than simply choosing a tool.

I considered whether the tool would support my learning instead of replacing it.

I considered privacy and what information I would need to provide.

I considered accessibility, cost, and account requirements.

I considered whether the tool or type of AI use is permitted for the course task.

I considered whether another resource might be a better choice.

There is nothing to submit. The goal is to practice choosing technology based on the learning need rather than choosing a tool simply because it is available.

The Best Tool Depends on the Task

Responsible AI use begins before you enter a prompt. It includes choosing an appropriate tool, protecting information, understanding limitations, following course expectations, and deciding whether AI is even the best source of help.

Don't ask only, “What can this AI tool do?” Ask, “Will this tool help me learn what I actually need to learn?”