PantherBytes Blog

The newest Generative AI @ Pitt tool is now available to all faculty and staff with student access coming soon. Claude for Education is designed to go beyond simple answers to deepen understanding and spark learning — you know, what we do here at Pitt. 

Generative AI can feel like a colleague, a trusted assistant, or even a confidant. Its responses are so humanlike that it’s easy to forget you’re talking to a machine. But the truth is, unlike when you’re speaking with a real person offline, the information you provide a GenAI tool may be read by someone else, saved where you can never delete it, or even repeated to another user.It can be difficult to navigate the web of information and misinformation surrounding GenAI and how it uses your data. So, let’s bust some of the most common GenAI myths to help you chat with confidence.

Between finals, year-end work deadlines, gift shopping, travel planning, and everything else life throws your way, the holidays can feel less like a break and more like another project to manage. Good thing the Generative AI @ Pitt tools are expert project managers that can help make the logistical holiday chaos a little less overwhelming.

You've done all the readings. Highlighted the important parts. Took detailed notes. Then, you’re suddenly trying to squeeze in a 3 a.m. study session but your study group is sound asleep. That's where NotebookLM can help. It’s your always available study buddy that’s not like other GenAI’s.

A strange side effect of generative AI is hallucinations, or when a GenAI tool confidently delivers completely made-up information. Maybe you asked for a works cited page and received citations for articles that don’t exist. Or you’re given a plausible-seeming statistic that turns out to be fake. Whatever way these hallucinations come up, it can be hard to tell what’s true and what’s a believable lie.

Are you too stressed to function? Making to-do lists on scraps of paper you can’t find later? Losing track of assignments amid midterm season chaos? Whether you’re chronically under-organized, or just facing an ever-increasing mountain of to-do’s, it’s time to make a plan that actually works for your workload. That’s where Microsoft Planner can help.

Your favorite Generative AI @ Pitt tools are even more powerful than you might think. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is now built directly into your Microsoft 365 apps and Google Gemini can help you from the sidelines of your web browser. No switching to a separate platform, no need to upload your document in one place and make changes in another. The AI assistance is right where you need it, waiting for you to use it.

Generative AI has been marketed as a magic wand able to do your thinking for you. While it’s possible that some of us would rather automate all their thinking, I started to wonder if this was really the best way to use GenAI. From my experience using the Generative AI @ Pitt tools, it’s far more effective when you (a real person!) are in the driver’s seat doing critical and creative thinking for yourself.

Over the summer, we changed our name from Pitt Information Technology to Pitt Digital, marking a pivotal evolution in our role at the University. This change reflects the ongoing transformation that began with our CIO's arrival in 2019 and will continue as we anticipate future technological innovations. While we’re really excited about our new horizons, you might be wondering what it all really means.

Faculty and staff now have access to PittGPT, powered by CAI, the secure, custom-built platform designed specifically for the University community. One of the biggest advantages to PittGPT is that your conversations and uploaded documents are safe and secure, so you can fearlessly integrate GenAI into your official Pitt business.

If you’re someone who uses generative AI regularly, you can probably spot the signs of bad GenAI usage. Too many irrelevant emojis, too much filler, and way too many buzzwords (seriously, how many times will we be forced to delve into something before it loses all meaning?). We’re all getting used to widespread AI-generated content, as well as its unwanted side effect, AI slop.

Need to print a syllabus, a research paper, or that final draft? Pitt Print makes it easy. This essential service is available to students currently registered in classes as well as Pitt faculty. A Print Queue That Works for YouWhether you work best from your laptop in a café, your PC in a Computing Lab, or even your phone, Pitt Print has an option for you. All submitted print jobs go to your secure personal queue, where they will wait for you for up to 48 hours before being automatically deleted.

By embracing and learning to use AI tools, students, faculty, and staff can leverage them to generate innovative ideas, identify more efficient ways to accomplish tasks, and enhance their overall contributions across their field of study or work.

Pitt’s residential network, MyResNet, plays a vital role in supporting the digital needs of a vibrant student community. During the previous year, MyResNet was used by more than 8,500 students living in over 35 buildings across campus, with peak usage reaching as high as 23,500 active devices. This level of demand for connectivity, concentrated in area of roughly a quarter square mile, is remarkable.

Pitt Information Technology is undergoing a transformative rebranding over the summer to become Pitt Digital. This change reflects our evolving role in shaping the University's digital future and our commitment to the Plan for Pitt.

Ready to dive into the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI)? Pitt Digital is introducing Generative AI @ Pitt: a suite of user-tested, security-backed tools designed to propel the Pitt community into the AI age.

Recently, Pitt Digital's Joe Yun transitioned his role to Director of AI Enablement.

Michael Pry, a professor in the Information Technology and Cybersecurity programs at Pitt Greensburg, returned to Pitt CyberCamp for his second year as an instructor — and this time, he brought someone special along for the ride: his son.

Whether you're commuting to campus a few days a week, taking fully online classes, or working remotely as a student employee, learning to create a productive, tech-friendly home setup is essential. While it may feel relaxing to work in your pajamas from bed (we’ve all been there), your success depends on staying organized, secure, and connected — even when you’re not physically on campus.Here’s your ultimate guide to turning your off-campus space into a mini Pitt workspace that helps you stay focused, on schedule, and stress-free.

Whether you're reaching out to a professor, TA, supervisor, or potential employer, your emails make an impression. Even in an age of DMs and group chats, email remains the most professional and widely used form of communication in academic and career settings.The good news? You don’t have to be a writing major to send a solid email. You just need to be clear, polite, and a little thoughtful. Up your communication game with this guide to help you avoid common mistakes and get replies faster.

Trying to join a Zoom class or submit an assignment when your Wi-Fi won’t cooperate is the worst. Whether you're living on campus or hanging out in Hillman, a reliable connection is a must. Good news: Pitt has you covered with campus-wide Wi-Fi. Here's your guide to avoiding connection chaos and staying online all semester long.

As you dive into your classes, make new friends, and explore everything the University has to offer, there’s one more thing to add to your college to-do list: protecting your digital life. 🧠💻Whether you're living on campus or commuting, your devices are a vital part of your academic journey — and a top target for cybercriminals. But don’t panic! We’ve got your back with simple tips to keep your information (and peace of mind) secure.

Starting college is exciting but let’s face it, it can also be overwhelming. Between finding your classes, meeting new people, and learning how to do laundry (finally), technology might not be the first thing on your mind. But trust us, it should be!Pitt has tons of tech tools and support resources that will make your life a whole lot easier. Whether you're navigating your first week or getting ready for midterms, this guide will help you feel right at home (digitally speaking).

See how Pitt student Brandon Sia leverages the Student Computing Labs to power up his own studies.

Summer is almost here—and, trust us, we want you to enjoy it! Relax, recharge, and soak up the sun. But if you find yourself with some extra time between vacations and binge-watching your favorite shows, why not take advantage of the resources available to you to make for a productive few months?