Basic · module 4 of 100
Choose your tools consciously
Compare possibilities, data usage and total effort.
After this lesson
You can compare two tools on the same task without relying on marketing or a model name.
In view · Side by side
Choosing a tool with three lenses
Test the same small task with the tools you are comparing.
Check which data you are allowed to enter and which services process them.
Include preparation, subscription, checking and corrections.
Part 1 of 3 · Does the function fit?
Your preference for less movement is on. Choose each part yourself.
The task determines the choice
A general chat tool, search service, office assistant and image generator have different purposes. First, note what you need: consulting sources, processing documents, improving language or creating images. Features and subscription terms change; check them with the provider.
Compare with the same test
Use exactly the same non-confidential assignment for two tools. Assess usability, factual accuracy, source quality and post-processing. A longer answer is not automatically better. Measure how much time you need until the result is ready for use.
Check the agreements about data
Check with your organisation which tools are permitted and what happens to input, uploads and history. Check access, retention periods, processor agreements and available settings. A personal subscription does not automatically offer the same agreements as a business environment.
New practice example
From explanation to a usable result.
Compare tools with the same assignment and also include your verification work.
Fictional practice situationFictional test: tool A delivers a summary in 1 minute, with 8 minutes of verification. Tool B requires 3 minutes and 2 minutes of verification. Both subsequently meet the same substantive requirements.
View a possible solution
This is how it can be done
Total working time A: 9 minutes. Total working time B: 5 minutes. In this single test, B is faster to a usable final result. That does not yet prove that B is better for every task.
Why this works
You measure the same end quality and the same work steps. Repeat the test with multiple documents before making a permanent choice.
Make it slightly more difficult
Add a third criterion: can your colleague find the sources used without your help?
Extra practice, at your own pace. You do not need to submit anything. This does not count towards an automatic assessment.
Your workplace · learning by doing
Make something. See what changes.
Checking the AI connection… You can already view the written example.
Present your assignment to Ende.
Read the answer, change one thing, and compare.
Previously held
New version
You remain in control
What do you want to improve in your next attempt?
On this device only. AI answers remain only in this page memory. This is self-review, not a grade.
Why this approach works
You measure the same end quality and the same work steps. Repeat the test with multiple documents before making a permanent choice.
A step further
Add a third criterion: can your colleague find the sources used without your help?
A prompt to get you started
Create an assessment form for two AI tools for summarising public reports. Use the criteria accuracy, source references, completeness, post-processing and data agreements. Provide a score from 1 to 5 per criterion with a concrete description.
Apply it
Tool A creates a draft in 2 minutes and requires 10 minutes of checking. Tool B creates it in 5 minutes and requires 3 minutes of checking. The quality after checking is equal.
What conclusion follows from this small trial?
- A is faster, because 2 is less than 5.
- In this trial, B requires 8 minutes total, compared to 12 for A; also test other representative cases.
- B is therefore the best AI tool for every task.
With JavaScript, you can check your approach and receive immediate feedback.
Test your insight
What is the fairest comparison between two tools?
- Performing the same task and also measuring control and correction time.
- Choosing the longest answer as the best.
- Automatically giving the most popular tool the highest score.
Extra practice
Choose a task and write three requirements that your AI tool must meet. Add a short test assignment with which you can test those requirements.
Task: summarising public reports. Requirements: references to verifiable passages, clear distinction between facts and interpretation and an exportable result. Test: summarise the same report in five points and mention the relevant page for each point.
