Assessing the value of AI for a specific purpose
Before using generative AI, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Will using this tool save me time and enhance my learning – or will it distract me from the task at hand?
- Am I using it in an ethical way that aligns with Kent's Academic Integrity policy?
- How will I verify or fact-check the output created by the generative AI tool?
- Have I considered the implications of AI on my critical thinking and analytical skills?
Misconceptions around generative AI
Generative AI tools, like Copilot, ChatGPT, and Gemini, are not primary sources of information. Instead, they are language processing models. Whilst they can provide useful information and help generate ideas, they do not independently verify the facts, understand context, think, or feel like humans.
What this means is that the text generated by AI tools can sometimes be factually incorrect. Therefore, it is crucial that you critically review all outputs generated by these tools rather than blindly accept the content as correct.
Think of Generative AI as a starting point, much like Wikipedia. Both can give you an initial understanding of a subject or a quick overview. But remember, for academic assignments, you will need more rigorous sources.
While Wikipedia isn't typically an acceptable citation for academic work, neither are generative AI tools. They're great tools to begin your research, but they shouldn't be your main or only sources.
Always turn to reputable, peer-reviewed scholarly materials for in-depth research. And remember, copying and pasting content, whether from a website or AI-generated material, isn't permissible. It's plagiarism.
Where is the best place to look for credible sources of information?
Module-based reading lists have a carefully selected range of resources such as textbooks, journal articles, and web-based articles. These resources have been chosen by your module convenor to support the learning outcomes for each module, and so can be relied on for accuracy and relevance.
Protecting privacy
Generative AI tools are trained on vast amounts of data. This includes the information you enter when using the tools. For this reason, we strongly recommend against putting personal data into any Generative AI tool.
For most Generative AI tools, when signing up to use the tool, you grant the providers the right to use your content to train the models that power the tool. This could result in the content you enter into the tool becoming publicly available, which would mean that if you had entered personal information (about yourself or someone else) it has the potential to surface in an output to another user without your knowledge or control.
Some tools such as ChatGPT allow you to opt out, meaning your interactions with the tool will not be used to train their models.
As such, it is recommended you always check the terms and conditions of the generative AI tool you plan to use to understand the rights that you grant to the providers to re-use the content you enter into the tool.
Copyright
You should not upload content to generative AI tools without the permission of the copyright holder. This includes text, images, data, songs, videos, and other copyrighted works. If you do not have clear permission from the copyright owner to use their content with the generative AI tools, do not upload it.
For more information, please see the University Copyright pages
Keeping track of your interactions with generative AI
If your module convenor has informed you that the use of AI is permitted for an assignment, it's a good idea to save copies of your interactions (prompts and outputs) with the tool and your assignment drafts. This will help you create a record that can be shared with your teachers and convenors to provide greater transparency on how and where you have used generative AI in your assignment.
Citing and acknowledging the use of AI
When permitted to use Generative AI tools in your assignments, the module's assessment instructions will detail how to acknowledge their usage appropriately.
For instance, you may be instructed to:
- Add a specific statement clarifying if you have used generative AI tools in your work.
- Document the tool used, the prompts given, the outputs created by the tool, and any alterations made to the tool's outputs.
- Provide a reflection on your experience with Generative AI, and share insights from your interaction with it.
Please see guidance on how to to acknowledge and cite the use of AI sources in your academic work.
Original Work, Not AI Duplicates
It's important to remember that while generative AI can provide helpful ideas and suggestions, it's crucial that you express your own voice and perspective in your work. Simply adjusting content generated by these tools is not enough to make it truly your own. To produce authentic work and genuine learning, you must demonstrate your own critical thinking and reasoning.
Tip
Avoid using generative AI tools to write into your assignments directly. Instead, use them to aid comprehension and then close the tool before writing. This way, you can ensure the writing is your own.
Key Point
It's important to remember that as you progress through your studies, you will incrementally acquire skills through assignments and assessments that you will need to use later. Skipping this important step by relying too heavily on generative AI may come back to haunt you when faced with more advanced tasks, such as writing a dissertation.
If you need assistance with your assessments or any part of your studies, there are lots of places you can go for support.
Skills for Academic Success (SAS)
Our team of experienced advisers are on hand to support you throughout your studies across an extensive range of academic skills.
You can book an appointment with one of our advisers or Royal Literary fund Fellows, attend one of our skills sessions, access our SkillBuilder pre-recorded videos, or check our helpful study guides.
Whatever your academic skills needs, get in touch with the team today!
Library Research Skills
This Moodle module covers key library research skills to support your studies and employability.
You can work your way through the whole module or pick and choose sections depending on the skills you need to develop