1 Searching as Conversation
Student Learning Objective
- Practice entering a search query in generative AI as a series of prompts (prompt chaining)
Unlike search engines, many Generative AI programs will remember previous prompts from the same session. In this way, “searching” using Generative AI is more like a conversation. To learn about how Generative AI behaves conversationally, students can practice “talking to” Generative AI the same way they would talk to any human. When speaking with other humans, we don’t restate what we have already said. Instead, we ask new and different questions to clarify or ask for additional details. Asking a series of related prompts is referred to as prompt chaining.
Activity Steps
- Give students a prompt for Generative AI
- Have the students read the AI output carefully
- Based on the response, have students create two follow-up prompts to ask for clarification.
Discussion Questions
- What information was missing from the initial response that you received?
- How did prompt chaining help you gather more information on your topic?
- How is searching in AI more like a conversation than a “traditional” search?
Considerations
- You may provide students with guidance on how to format additional prompts, or you can give them the opportunity to explore what makes sense to them conversationally.
- Please refer to cautions that apply to all activities using Generative AI.
Example prompts
Initial Prompts for Prompt Chaining Activities
- Explain [theory or practice related to your topic] using everyday words.
- What are the steps in completing [a practice or procedure in your industry]?
- Why is it important for [profession related to your industry] to understand [task that or topic that is relevant to your industry]?
Follow-up Prompts for Prompt Chaining Activities
- Can you explain [specific term from AI response] further?
- But what if [question relevant to the information shared]
- Are there any additional [theories/steps/opinions] on this topic?
- Is this the case in the [Canadian/Nova Scotian, etc.] context?
An example of prompt chaining in use in Copilot using a Health Care Example:
- What steps do nurses use to safely administer medications to patients?
- Can you tell me more about a Medication Administration Record?
- Is a MAR also used in Nova Scotia?
