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GenAI

Generative AI information

What is Generative Artificial Intelligence?

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is a type of Artificial Intelligence that can create a wide variety of information in response to prompts, including images, videos, audio, code, text, and more. GenAI tools learn patterns from existing data, and then re-generates it to create new data outputs. The result is realistic, human-like data - making it valuable tool for many different industries and applications. Some GenAI tools include: ChatGPT, DALL-E, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity AI.

GenAI is an emerging and rapidly evolving technology, therefore it’s important that you develop your digital literacy skills so that you can use these tools effectively and ethically at university.

Watch the video below from Google Cloud Teach to learn more about GenAI, including common applications, model types, and the fundamentals of its use.

 

Can I use GenAI in my studies?

At SCU, the use of GenAI is acceptable provided it is appropriately acknowledged, and unless it is beyond the acceptable limits as defined in the Assessment task. These parameters are determined by the course you are enrolled in and each individual assessment you are completing.

Your Unit Assessor will inform you in writing if the use of GenAI tools is explicitly prohibited. This information will appear in your Unit information, your assessment task, or via a Blackboard Announcement. If you are not sure about how, if, or how much you can use GenAI in your studies, please seek guidance from your Unit Assessor. Find some simple Do and Don'ts to remember below.

 

Do's and Don'ts

Do: 

  • Ensure that your assessment allows the use of GenAI 
  • Use GenAI with Academic Integrity in mind
  • Consult the Library's referencing guides on how to correctly reference GenAI outputs 
  • Be critical of GenAI outputs
  • Fact check GenAI outputs
  • Keep accurate records of the Gen AI tool transcripts

Don't: 

  • Rely on GenAI tools to write your entire assessment  
  • Blindly trust GenAI information outputs 
  • Breach the university's Academic Integrity guidelines

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity means behaving with the values of honesty, fairness and respect in an academic setting, including in assignments and exams.

Using GenAI responsibly may assist you in your studies, but you must consider the risks associated with using this type of technology. GenAI tools can create information outputs which may sound credible and grammatically correct, but they also may produce information which is outdated, factually incorrect, too simplistic, or biased. GenAI tools also do not identify or link to the sources they create from. If you use material which does not directly attribute the author(s), then you may be at risk of academic misconduct.

If you do choose to use GenAI tools, it is essential that you engage with your unit content to develop your critical thinking skills. GenAI tools should never replace or undermine your learning or violate academic integrity.

It is important to understand the university’s Academic Integrity guidelines and practice these skills successfully. Watch the video below to find out more.