Finding Your Go-To AI Tool

Comparing Popular Generative AI Tools

Generative AI tools can be valuable allies in course design, instructional planning, research support, and day-to-day academic work. Each platform offers unique strengths and limitations, and the “best” tool often depends on your specific goals. At Xavier, these tools are increasingly used to support course development, enhance student learning, and streamline academic workflows. Below is an overview of ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Perplexity, Google Gemini, NotebookLM, and Canvas Ignite AI, along with a chart comparing their features and capabilities.

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

ChatGPT is one of the most widely used AI tools, known for its adaptability. It’s strong at generating ideas, lesson plans, drafts, conversational explanations, and quick content creation. The free version is web-based, while premium tiers offer faster performance and advanced models.

Best for: Brainstorming, flexible writing support, interactive use
Limitations: Can generate inaccurate information (“hallucinations”)

Xavier Use Cases:

• Drafting course announcements or assignment instructions
• Brainstorming lesson activities or discussion prompts
• Creating sample explanations of complex concepts for students

Explore ChatGPT

Gemini (Google)

Google Gemini is Google’s advanced AI assistant that integrates closely with Google Workspace (Docs, Gmail, Drive). It offers strong multimodal understanding (text, images, structured data) and real-time factual reasoning. Its capabilities include research synthesis, contextual summarization, and productivity features within Google apps.

Best for: Research support, workspace integration, multimodal tasks
Limitations: Most effective within the Google ecosystem

Xavier Use Cases:

• Summarizing Google Docs or meeting notes from departmental work
• Drafting emails or communications in Gmail
• Organizing and analyzing shared Drive content for projects

Explore Gemini

Copilot (Microsoft)

Copilot is embedded into Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). It’s ideal for automating structured tasks, summarizing content, generating drafts, and analyzing data directly within Microsoft applications.

Best for: Office productivity automation and task support
Limitations: Tightly bound to the Microsoft ecosystem

Xavier Use Cases:

• Generating reports or summaries in Word
• Analyzing assessment data in Excel
• Creating presentation outlines for lectures or workshops

Explore Copilot

Claude (Anthropic)

Claude is known for its more conversational tone and ability to handle large bodies of text. It’s effective for summarizing long documents, generating organized reports, and brainstorming with safety guardrails in place.

Best for: Deep document work, structured summaries
Limitations: Slower and fewer integrations than some competitors

Xavier Use Cases:

• Summarizing long research articles or accreditation documents
• Drafting structured reports or program reviews
• Reviewing and refining lengthy course materials

Explore Claude

Perplexity

Perplexity is a research-oriented AI that uses web search to provide responses with citations and links to original sources. This makes it useful for fact-checking and literature exploration.

Best for: Research support, source-linked answers
Limitations: Answers can be surface-level without follow-up

Xavier Use Cases:

• Quickly locating scholarly or credible sources for course materials
• Supporting literature reviews or exploratory research
• Fact-checking information before sharing with students

Explore Perplexity

NotebookLM (Google)

NotebookLM is a source-based AI tool designed to work with documents you provide, such as PDFs, Google Docs, and course materials. It generates summaries, explanations, and study aids grounded in those sources, often including citations. This makes it especially useful in academic settings where accuracy and alignment with assigned materials are important.

Best for: Research synthesis, working with course readings, study guide creation
Limitations: Limited to uploaded sources; not a general-purpose AI assistant

Xavier Use Cases:

• Creating study guides from assigned readings
• Summarizing multiple research articles for class preparation
• Helping students synthesize course materials for exams
• Generating discussion questions based on uploaded texts

Explore NotebookLM

Canvas Ignite AI

Canvas Ignite AI is built directly into Canvas and supports course design and instructional workflows. It can help generate assignments, discussions, quizzes, and page content within your course environment, streamlining the development process without leaving the LMS.

Best for: Course design, assignment creation, and teaching workflows in Canvas
Limitations: Limited to Canvas environment; less flexible for general AI tasks

Xavier Use Cases:

• Generating discussion prompts aligned to course objectives
• Creating quiz questions directly within Canvas
• Drafting assignment descriptions and rubrics
• Building course pages and instructional content efficiently

Explore Canvas Ignite AI

Comparison Chart

Key Takeaways for Faculty

1. Match the tool to the task:
   • ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini are strong for brainstorming, drafting, and general productivity
   • NotebookLM is best for working with course materials and research sources
   • Perplexity supports fact-finding with citations
   • Canvas Ignite AI is ideal for building and managing course content directly in Canvas
2. All tools can produce errors:  use them as supports, not authoritative sources, and verify important information
3. Prioritize student learning and alignment: Choose tools that support your course goals, reduce cognitive load, and enhance clarity for students
4. Be mindful of data privacy and sensitive information: when using any AI assistant, especially with student data or institutional materials
5. Start small and experiment: Trying these tools in low-stakes ways can help you identify what best fits your workflow and teaching context

If you have questions or want to learn more, reach out to the Instructional Design & Technology team or browse the Teaching with Technology Generative AI Hub.

Daniel Wooddell
Sr. Instructional Technologist
Teaching with Technology Site Designer