{"id":11550,"date":"2023-10-10T12:01:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-10T11:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/altc.alt.ac.uk\/blog\/?p=11550"},"modified":"2023-11-09T18:01:41","modified_gmt":"2023-11-09T18:01:41","slug":"student-guidance-for-the-responsible-use-of-ai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/altc.alt.ac.uk\/blog\/2023\/10\/student-guidance-for-the-responsible-use-of-ai\/","title":{"rendered":"Student guidance for the responsible use of AI"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denise Hough, University of Glasgow <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent advances in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) have made it accessible to the wider public through platforms such as OpenAI\u2019s ChatGPT. AI tools are very powerful and can enhance student learning experiences, but it is important to understand how to use it in a way that is conducive to good academic practice (see Table 1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The default position of most higher education institutes will likely be that students are allowed to use generative AI tools as a resource in any course component where online tools are accessible. Although there may be specific restrictions on certain assessments, which should be communicated appropriately by teaching staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, AI tools are tools. They are not substitutes for intellectual growth. This guidance will support students to embrace AI responsibly, engage actively in studies and uphold academic integrity. Thereby, students will be able to harness the power of technology to enrich their education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Course work item<\/strong><\/td>Responsible use<\/strong><\/td>Limitations and things to avoid<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Lectures<\/td>Clarify complex concepts and reinforce understanding, focussed around intended learning outcomes.<\/td>Avoid relying solely on AI. You should engage with content.

AI may provide inaccurate information and is further limited by last software update.<\/td><\/tr>
Written work<\/td>Can use to start literature search to understand main concepts.

May be useful in generating ideas, such as a list of topics.

Valuable for proofreading. Ask for feedback on your own work.

Assist with referencing format.

Understand academic integrity and always credit sources.

Keep a record of AI conversation.<\/td>		AI is not good at critiquing or placing ideas in context of a scenario.

Plagiarism risk is high, and it is not acceptable to submit the AI generated content as it is, plagiarism checkers keep evolving to detect AI generated content.

AI generated lists of publications and other sources are predictions only, they may not truly exist.<\/td><\/tr>
Problem-based learning<\/td>Ask for technical assistance, such as instructions on how to use R, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Ask for guidance or feedback to see if you explored all aspects of data interpretation.

See examples of how to report your calculation working.<\/td>		Do not skip critical thinking by accepting AI generated answers without verification.

Never simply copy and paste questions and answers.<\/td><\/tr>
Test, Exam<\/td>Generate practise questions for self assessment.<\/td>Do not cheat by using AI to generate your answers.<\/td><\/tr>
Tutorial<\/td>Create scenarios to deepen your understanding.

Gain better insight into the problems presented to you<\/td>		Do not copy answers without attempting problems yourself.

Do not let AI replace your active participation in discussions.<\/td><\/tr>
Practicals<\/td>Assist in troubleshooting.

Understanding protocols and experimental design.<\/td>		Do not use AI to answer questions without understanding or reflecting.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Table 1.<\/strong> Summary of good academic practice for students in using AI across different course components.<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Written assessments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For written assessments, additional guidance on AI use is important to develop essential skills and uphold academic integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not allowed<\/strong><\/td>Allowed<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Do not let AI generate facts.<\/td>Check facts against reliable resources and include a citation to the source.<\/td><\/tr>
Do not ask AI to rewrite your work, then copy it and present it as your own. Examples:
– Provide list of facts and ask to rewrite in paragraph style
– Ask to rewrite poor grammar or English
– Ask to rewrite so that it fits within word count

If you copy and paste entire AI generated answers, it will be considered as plagiarism.

Even AI cocreated work is considered collusion if you present it all as your own.

Do not use AI as a source for most of your information.<\/td>		Develop your own writing skills by making your own attempts first, then ask AI for feedback on your writing. This gives you an opportunity to recognise ways in which you can improve your own writing.

Keep a record of your AI conversation to prove you used feedback to improve your writing.

Acknowledge AI as cocreator, but ensure that what you submit is truly your own work.

If you are unable to find the original source of information, you may cite AI as the source (format: personal communication), but note that AI is not a peer reviewed scientific source, which is where the bulk of your information should come from.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Table 2.<\/strong> Specific restrictions for students on the use of generative AI for written assessments.<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Actions to uphold academic integrity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Using any form of AI in your university coursework, study, exams or research without acknowledging that input, counts as academic misconduct. The following actions are recommended:<\/p>\n\n\n\n