Finding Your Go-To AI Tool

Comparing Popular Generative AI Tools

Generative AI tools can be valuable allies in course design, instructional planning, and day-to-day academic work. Each platform offers unique strengths and limitations, and the “best” tool often depends on your goals. Below is an overview of ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, and Perplexity, along with a chart comparing their features.

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ChatGPT (OpenAI)

ChatGPT is one of the most widely used AI tools, known for its adaptability. It’s strong at generating ideas, lesson plans, or drafts, and it can simulate conversations or role-play scenarios for teaching. The free version is web-based, while ChatGPT Plus offers faster performance and access to more advanced models.

Best for: Brainstorming, flexible writing support, interactive use
Limitations: Can “hallucinate” facts; responses may need fact-checking

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Copilot (Microsoft)

Copilot is deeply integrated into Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). It’s ideal for faculty who already work heavily in Microsoft products. Copilot can summarize emails, create drafts, build presentations, and analyze data right within familiar apps. However, it’s tied to Microsoft accounts and does best with structured tasks rather than deep exploration.

Best for: Streamlining tasks in Office apps, generating drafts, and summarizing documents
Limitations: Requires Microsoft ecosystem; less flexible for open-ended questions

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Claude (Anthropic)

Claude is known for its conversational style and ability to handle large amounts of text. It’s great for reviewing long documents, brainstorming creative ideas, and producing well-organized summaries. It tends to produce thoughtful, safe responses, but it’s slower and not as tightly integrated with other software.

Best for: Summarizing long documents, ethical AI usage, creative collaboration
Limitations: Slower responses; fewer integrations compared to Copilot and ChatGPT

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Perplexity

Perplexity is a research-oriented AI that pulls information from the web with citations. It’s useful for faculty doing quick fact-checking or exploring new topics, as it includes links to sources. That said, its responses can be more surface-level, and like any AI tool, it should not be the sole source for scholarly research.

Best for: Research support, fact-finding, providing citations and sources
Limitations: Source quality can vary; answers can be shallow without follow-up questions

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Comparison Chart

Feature	ChatGPT (OpenAI)	Copilot (Microsoft)	Claude (Anthropic)	Perplexity
Integration	Web/app; plugins and integrations available	Embedded in Microsoft 365 apps	Web-based; API available	Web/app with live web search
Strengths	Highly versatile; strong at creative tasks	Automates tasks in Office apps	Handles long documents; ethical focus	Cited sources; good for fact-finding
Best Use Cases	Brainstorming, lesson design, interactive content	Drafting in Word, summarizing emails, data analysis	Reviewing readings, summaries, generating structured outlines	Quick research, citations for student questions
Data Sources	Pre-trained data (Plus: can use browsing plugins)	Uses internal docs and Microsoft Graph data (if allowed)	Trained on diverse text; does not live search web	Live searches the web and cites sources
Ease of Use	Flexible but can overwhelm beginners	Familiar for Microsoft users; minimal setup	Simple, clean interface	Straightforward search-like experience
Pricing	Free and Plus ($20/mo) options	Requires Microsoft 365 license (enterprise-level)	Free/basic plans; paid for more use	Free/basic plans; paid tiers for more
Weaknesses	Can generate incorrect or biased info	Limited outside Microsoft tools	Slower and fewer integrations	Surface-level answers possible

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Key Takeaways for Faculty