Educational Resources

The definitions of the following terms referenced in this document are drawn from Executive Order 14110, the Department of Homeland Security, and Gartner unless otherwise specified.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): The term “Artificial intelligence” (AI) meets the definition spelled out in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3): a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. Artificial intelligence systems use machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments; abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner; and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.

AI ASSISTANT: Generative AI Assistants are AI systems that utilize machine learning models to generate text, images, or other forms of content based on user prompts. These assistants are primarily focused on enhancing user experience by providing relevant information, answering questions, and assisting with tasks.

AGENTIC AI: The term “Agentic AI” represents a more advanced form of artificial intelligence that operates with a degree of autonomy. These systems are capable of making decisions and executing actions based on their programming and learned experiences. Examples of Agentic AI include autonomous vehicles, robotic process automation, and AI systems used in strategic planning and resource management.

AI MODEL: The term “AI model” means a component of an information system that implements AI technology and uses computational, statistical, or machine learning techniques to produce outputs from a given set of inputs.

AI SYSTEMS: The term “AI systems” means any data system, software, hardware, application, tool, or utility that operates in whole or in part using AI.

GENERATIVE AI: The term “generative AI” (or, GenAI) means the class of AI models that emulate the structure and characteristics of input data in order to generate derived synthetic content. This can include images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.

LARGE LANGUAGE MODEL: The term “large language model” (LLM) means a type of machine learning model that is trained on a broad set of general domain data for the purpose of using that model as an architecture on which to build multiple specialized AI applications.

MACHINE LEARNING: Machine learning (ML) focuses on the development of computer programs that can access data and use it to learn for themselves. In simple words, it is a model or a function that the computer makes itself based on the input we provide corresponding with the output we want.

QUANTUM COMPUTING: Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field comprising aspects of computer science, physics, and mathematics that utilizes quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than on classical computers.