AI-Powered Tools at APU: Enhancing Productivity and Innovation

Azusa Pacific University is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to empower its community. Several tools currently available to APU faculty, staff, and students utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline processes, enhance communication, and foster innovation. This article provides an overview of these AI-driven tools and their potential benefits.

Formstack

Formstack is an online, web-based form building and workflow tool. It allows users to create forms to collect data and automate workflows based on that data.

AI Component: Formstack features an AI form creator. Users can describe the type of form they need and the desired fields, and the AI will generate the form automatically.

Benefits for APU Users:

• Increased Efficiency: Creating forms becomes faster and easier, saving time and effort.
• Reduced Errors: AI can help ensure that forms are structured correctly and include all necessary fields.
• Improved User Experience: AI can suggest optimized form layouts for better user engagement.
• Streamlined Workflows: Automated workflows triggered by form submissions can improve efficiency in various administrative processes. For example, AI could help route submitted forms to the correct departments or individuals.

Dialpad

Dialpad is a business communications platform that integrates calling, messaging, meetings, and contact center functionality.

AI Component: Dialpad utilizes AI for various features, including real-time transcription, sentiment analysis, and call summaries.

Benefits for APU Users:

• Enhanced Communication: Real-time transcription and sentiment analysis can improve communication clarity and understanding.
• Improved Productivity: Automated call summaries save time and allow for quick review of important information.
• Better Collaboration: AI-powered insights can facilitate more effective collaboration among team members. For example, faculty could use Dialpad to record and transcribe student meetings, making notes easily searchable.
• Data-Driven Insights: Analyzing conversation data can provide valuable insights into communication patterns and trends.

Zoom

Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform used for meetings, webinars, and online events.

AI Component: Zoom incorporates AI for features like automated transcription, meeting summaries, and virtual backgrounds.

Benefits for APU Users:

• Increased Accessibility: Automated transcripts make meetings more accessible to individuals with hearing impairments.
• Improved Note-Taking: Meeting summaries save time and effort in note-taking.
• Enhanced Engagement: Virtual backgrounds can create a more engaging and professional meeting environment. This is especially helpful for online classes or meetings with external partners.
• Flexibility: AI features allow for more flexibility in how meetings are conducted and documented.

Google Gemini

Gemini is Google's AI tool to assist you with your studies and work!

AI Component: Gemini is a large language model that can generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way.  

Benefits for APU Users:

• Enhanced Productivity: Gemini can assist with tasks such as drafting emails, summarizing documents, and generating creative content.
• Improved Research: Gemini can help find and synthesize information from various sources.
• Personalized Learning: Gemini can provide customized support and feedback for students.
• Innovation: Gemini can be used to brainstorm ideas and explore new possibilities. For example, faculty could use Gemini to help generate ideas for research projects or course assignments.

Asana

Asana is a work management platform that helps teams organize and track their projects.

AI Component: Asana uses AI to automate tasks, predict project timelines, and provide insights into team performance.

Benefits for APU Users:

• Improved Project Management: AI can help teams stay on track and meet deadlines.
• Increased Efficiency: Automated tasks free up team members to focus on more strategic work.
• Better Collaboration: AI-powered insights can improve communication and collaboration among team members. For example, staff in different departments could use Asana to coordinate university-wide events or initiatives.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Analyzing project data can provide valuable insights into team performance and areas for improvement.

These AI-powered tools represent just a glimpse of the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance the APU experience. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative tools and applications to emerge, further empowering our community.