AI Reader Model Overview

AI Reader is built using a large language model (LLM). This LLM is a private instance of OpenAI’s GPT-4o provided via Microsoft Azure AI. This model is given context for the specified title (and only that title) using a Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) pattern, which indexes McGraw Hill’s content. 

Data Privacy and Security

McGraw Hill takes matters of security and bias very seriously, and we have performed extensive testing and monitoring to ensure AI Reader meets our high standards for educational use. We designed AI Reader to be secure in design and to minimize bias, inaccuracies, and inappropriateness in responses.

• No Access to PII: AI Reader’s model does not have access to any personally identifiable information (PII) or specific user data.
• No Data Sharing: AI Reader does not send data back to the model vendor for model training purposes.
• Secure Data Handling: Our secure system records all model inputs (e.g., highlighted text, actions taken) and outputs for product improvement and model evaluations. Data will be discarded each semester.
• Bias, Accuracy, and Appropriateness Guardrails: Underlying each “action” (e.g., generate quiz questions) is a proprietary, lengthy prompt. These prompts have been designed to minimize potential biases, inaccuracies, or inappropriateness in responses. While McGraw Hill is dedicated to offering safest-in-class AI solutions for education, AI might occasionally produce biased or inaccurate information, and users must use critical thinking to evaluate model output as AI makes mistakes.

Continuous Improvement

McGraw Hill’s team is dedicated to the continuous improvement of our products, including AI Reader. To better serve learners, our team will systematically review deidentified model data and reserves the right to make changes to the underlying model as needed. This ongoing process ensures that AI Reader improves as a reliable and effective tool for education.

Instructor Choice

While AI technologies, like AI Reader, present many exciting opportunities within education, we want to ensure the choice to use these technologies remains firmly in the hands of instructors. Instructors may easily toggle AI Reader on/off for all your students at any point, for any amount of time. For McGraw Hill Connect® users, this option may be found in your Section dashboard. For McGraw Hill GO users, this option is located in your table of contents. 

Sample Syllabus Language

McGraw Hill encourages instructors and administrators to provide clear guidance to students around how to effectively and appropriately leverage AI tools, like AI Reader, in their coursework. Below is sample syllabus language meant to be illustrative—McGraw Hill encourages you to use this or other samples to customize it for your own course, discipline, and pedagogical approach.

This course encourages a balanced and thoughtful approach to using AI tools (e.g., McGraw Hill's AI Reader tool available in your eBook), to enhance your learning experience. AI can be a powerful tool to help simplify complex concepts, provide alternative explanations, and promote active engagement with course concepts, but it can also be misused. Here’s how you can effectively and safely integrate AI tools into your studies:

• Permitted Uses: You are welcome to use AI tools, including AI Reader, to help understand course concepts better, generate new ideas, and generate study materials. These tools can assist in clarifying difficult concepts, suggesting different perspectives, and keeping you engaged with the material.
• Critical Evaluation: AI tools can produce inaccurate or biased information. It is essential to evaluate the outputs from AI tools with a critical eye. Verify the accuracy and relevance of the information provided before incorporating it into your work. You bear the final responsibility for the content you submit.
• Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of the ethical implications of using AI. Understand that AI can perpetuate biases present in the data it was trained on. Use these tools ethically and responsibly, ensuring that you uphold the principles of academic integrity.
• Learning Outcomes: Reflect on how the use of AI tools affects your understanding, engagement, and enjoyment of the course material. Consider both the benefits and limitations of AI in your learning journey. AI should be a tool to augment your learning, not to replace the critical thinking and analysis that are fundamental to your education.

By integrating AI tools thoughtfully and responsibly, you can enhance your learning experience while developing essential skills for navigating an increasingly AI-driven world. This balanced approach will help you make the most of these technologies while maintaining the integrity and quality of your academic work.