AI Tools Summary
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý provides access to a wide variety of AI-powered tools to support the diverse ways faculty and staff work across teaching, research, and administration. No single AI tool fits every workflow on campus. Some users need general-purpose AI for writing and brainstorming; others benefit from AI embedded directly into Microsoft 365 applications and some prefer tools with Google-based document synthesis. Offering multiple safe options ensures individuals can choose the tool that best supports their productivity and collaboration needs.Ìý
The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, with vendors expanding model options and capabilities. Providing access to multiple platforms and model ecosystems allows ÐÔÊӽ紫ý to remain adaptable while the technology matures. This approach supports innovation, user choice, and responsible adoption, ensuring the campus community can leverage AI effectively within secure, CU-managed environments.
CoPilot for Microsoft 365 currently offers the best access to deep reasoning models through the Researcher and Analyst agents while remaining within CU enterprise data protection boundary.Ìý
- You want AI embedded directly in Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or other graph aware data
- You need AI responses grounded in your M365 files, calendar, meetings, and Microsoft Graph data, which connects emails, files, meetings, chats, and people so Copilot can understand a user’s work context and provide relevant, personalized answers
- Your workflow is heavily Microsoft-centric
- You’re looking to reduce time spent summarizing, drafting, or synthesizing institutional materials
For users whose work primarily lives in the Microsoft ecosystem, Copilot for M365 delivers the most seamless and context-aware experience. Copilot is primarily powered by OpenAI LLMs with Anthropic’s Claude LLMs available in some agents.
ChatGPT Edu provides a highly flexible, general-purpose AI experience. It is well suited for exploratory thinking, complex drafting, and cross-functional academic and administrative work.
- You want a flexible, conversational AI tool not tied to a specific productivity suite
- You are working with data classified as public or confidential
- You are drafting, revising, or brainstorming across a wide range of topics
- You need coding assistance or technical problem-solving support
- You want to upload and analyze documents directly
- You want to use and share projects across multiple ÐÔÊӽ紫ý users
- You are exploring advanced reasoning models (as they become available under credit-based access)
For users who value flexibility, creativity, and broad intellectual support across teaching, research, and administration, ChatGPT Edu offers a powerful standalone AI environment.Ìý
Copilot Chat is a web-based AI chat available at no cost. It is not embedded directly inside apps, instead, it provides conversational AI access through a browser interface.
- You want no-cost AI chat within a Microsoft-managed environment
- You are working with data classified as public or confidential
- You need drafting, summarization, or brainstorming support
- You are asking general knowledge or web-grounded questions
- You do not require deep integration with your M365 files, calendar, meetings or other apps
- You want access to Microsoft’s evolving model ecosystem without purchasing a license
For users who want a secure, institutionally managed AI chat tool without needing app-level integration, Copilot Chat provides a practical and accessible option.
Gemini (Workspace Essentials) is a web-based AI chat experience aligned with Google’s ecosystem. While it does not include deep in-app integration, it offers strong general AI capabilities.
- You prefer Google’s ecosystem
- You are working with data classified as public
- You want general-purpose AI chat for drafting or brainstorming
- You are conducting research or summarizing materials
- You want an alternative model ecosystem alongside Microsoft and OpenAI tools
For users who work across platforms or prefer Google-aligned tools, Gemini offers a complementary AI experience within CU’s managed Workspace environment.Ìý
NotebookLM is purpose-built for working with source materials and synthesizing information across documents. It is particularly valuable in academic and research contexts.
- You are analyzing multiple source documents
- You are working with data classified as public
- You need structured summaries or synthesized insights
- You are developing study guides, multimedia overviews, or other materials based on source documentation
- You want AI grounded primarily in your uploaded or referenced materials
For faculty and staff engaged in research, curriculum development, or document-heavy analysis, NotebookLM provides focused, source-grounded reasoning support.
Zoom has a host of AI powered functionalities available to end users that include meeting summaries, companion chat and smart recordings.
- Your collaborative team meetings are already hosted via Zoom calls
- You want an integrated tool for capturing summaries and transcripts
- You utilize the Zoom integration within the Canvas Learning Management System
- You want actionable takeaways from meeting notes and minutes
- You use Zoom to host and record class sessions or in-person meetings to access AI functionalities.
For users who are already well-integrated into Zoom meetings, Zoom offers a seamless and integrated AI experience within CU’s managed environment.Ìý
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