0/9 sections
Part 3

Using AI Effectively for Research

Each of the three tools has converged on a similar pattern: a chat surface plus three or four configuration surfaces where the real leverage lives.

SECTION OBJECTIVES
  • Recognise the shared configuration pattern across the three frontier tools.
  • Choose one tool to use deeply this semester rather than dabbling in three.

Each of the three tools that follow has converged on a similar pattern: a chat surface plus three or four 'configuration surfaces' that let you persist context. The leverage is in the configuration, not the chat.

The shared pattern

  • Persistent role and rules (Gems, Custom Instructions, Project system prompts, Skills)
  • Source-grounded workspaces (NotebookLM, Projects, Connectors)
  • Document-aware drafting (Canvas, Projects, Skills)
  • Repeatable specialist agents (Gems, Custom GPTs, Skills)

Choose a deep-dive

Gemini

Deep Research, NotebookLM linkage, Gems, Canvas drafting.

Open

ChatGPT

Custom GPTs, Projects, Connectors, Custom Instructions.

Open

Claude

Claude Skills, Projects, and CoWork shared workspaces.

Open

After the deep-dives

Once you've explored Gemini, ChatGPT and Claude, continue to Part 4: Other useful tools for specialised literature and research assistants that complement the big three.

Previous2. Setting the GoalsNext 3a. Gemini Deep-Dive