Generative AI in your assignments
Can I use generative AI tools in my assessments?
At La Trobe University, we use the AI Assessment Scale to provide guidance on the appropriate use of AI in assessments. This section outlines the different ways AI might be permitted in your assessments from planning and idea generation to more interactive uses and helps you to understand what is expected for each task.
Always read the assessment instructions and the marking rubric carefully. Assessment instructions will explicitly include information about using AI tools in your assessment guidance and assessment instructions. Consult your lecturer or subject coordinator if you are unsure about any part of the assessment requirements.
AI Assessment Scale
The AI Assessment Scale outlines the various ways that Generative AI can be integrated within assessment tasks.
AI Use Statements
The statements below outline how AI tools may or may not be used in assessments. Each assessment task will include a statement in the LMS to let you know what use is accepted. If you’re unsure about how AI can be used in a task, make sure you check with the subject coordinator for clarification.
| Graphic | Description |
|---|---|
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No AI The use of AI is unacceptable at any point in the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge. |
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AI Planning AI use is accepted for planning, idea development and research. The final submissions must show how you have developed and refined ideas. |
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AI Collaboration AI use is accepted for specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating work. You are expected to critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content included. |
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Full AI Extensive AI use is accepted throughout your work either directed by you or as specifically directed in your assessment instructions. Focus on directing AI to meet goals while demonstrating your critical thinking. |
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AI Exploration AI can be creatively used to solve tasks and collaborate with your educator on new approaches. |
Planning for AI Use in your Assessment
Before starting any assessment, it is essential to carefully review the instructions provided for each task. Take the following steps to help you plan for using AI in your assessment.
- Follow the guidelines on the subject LMS for using AI in this assessment. Is AI use accepted for this assessment and if yes, how?
- Keep a record of all AI use from the initial stages of your assessment preparation until it is complete.
- List of technological supported tools
- Follow the La Trobe guidelines for responsible and ethical use of AI in learning and teaching.
- Be sure that the work you submit is your own and acknowledge AI use if relevant using the AI acknowledgement form
The table below provides a quick reference guide on the different uses of AI, what’s expected of you at each level, and what you can gain from engaging with AI responsibly.
| How Can AI Be Used | What Must You Do | What You’ll Gain (Benefits) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No AI | Do not use AI for any part of the assessment. | Complete all tasks using your own knowledge and skills. | Builds confidence and reinforces learning. |
| AI Planning | Use AI for ideas generation, outlining, brainstorming. | Write all final content yourself independent of AI. | Helps you get started and structure ideas. |
| AI Collaboration | Use AI to revise drafts, check grammar, improve clarity. | Keep prompt logs, original text, and reflect on ways the tools have changed your work. | Improves your writing and critical thinking skills. |
| Full AI | AI tools are used to complete the assessment, but you must ensure their use aligns with the assessment instructions. | Keep prompt logs, cite AI tools used, and reflect on their accuracy and appropriateness. | Develops real world digital fluency and evaluation skills. |
| Exploration | Work creatively with AI – e.g. problem solving, design, multimedia | Co-design with the instructor if needed. Explain your creative process and how AI was involved. | Fosters innovation, creativity and future-ready skills. |
Acknowledging the use of AI
Each assessment will specify whether the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is accepted, or not. If AI use is allowed, it will also outline how it can be used, for example: for planning; idea generation; or more advanced tasks like content creation.
Whenever you use AI in an assessment, you must acknowledge how it was used. This helps maintain transparency and ensures you are meeting academic integrity requirements.
Use the appropriate acknowledgment template that matches the permitted level of AI use in your assessment:
If you are unsure about how AI can be used in your assessment, or how to correctly acknowledge it, contact your subject coordinator as early as possible.
Documenting AI Use
When using AI as part of your assessment (in line with the accepted level of use), you must be able to show evidence of how it supported your work. This is a requirement of the acknowledgment process and helps ensure transparency.
Acceptable forms of evidence may include:
- Screenshots of your AI interactions
- Copies of prompts you used and the AI’s responses
- Draft versions showing how AI outputs were revised or adapted
- Notes explaining how AI-informed ideas were integrated into your final work
This documentation should clearly show that your use of AI followed the permitted scope for the assessment task.
Please carefully read the assessment instructions for each assessment task to ensure you are capturing and storing the appropriate evidence for final submission.
Tip: Save your prompts and outputs as you go. This will make it easier to reflect on your process and complete your acknowledgment accurately.