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Generative AI as a study tool

Can I use Generative AI as a study tool?

Yes, but you should use caution.  There are many traps to avoid – make sure you are aware of the consequences of misuse of generative AI in your studies and ask your lecturer or the Library if you are unsure.  Provided you abide by some important guidelines to help you use these tools without undermining your learning or violating academic integrity, the following examples offer a way that generative may assist you on your learning journey.


For example, AI tools can be used to: 

  • Generate practice quizzes or flashcards to help you prepare for exams

  • Quickly learn more about a new subject or topic 

  • Tutor yourself to improve your language skills 

  • Interact with virtual tutors 

  • Create study guides 

  • Summarise a recorded lecture 

  • Conduct research and find key points on a particular subject or topic

  • Evaluate mathematical problems, lines of computer code and complex formulas

  • Brainstorm ways to start a new project 

  • Stimulate your thinking and develop new ideas 

  • Inspire you to ask questions you might not otherwise consider 

 

All of these potential ways to use generative AI technology are subject to rules and limitations.  For example, using AI tools can become inappropriate very quickly if you use them to: 

  • Cut corners and avoid reading and writing 

  • Edit and improve your assessments 

  • Produce assessed content that is not your own, or not properly cited and referenced 

 

You can begin to feel more comfortable with these new and emerging AI tools if you are routinely asking yourself: 

  • Why am I using this particular tool? 

  • Am I using this tool to help me think, or to think for me? 

  • Am I using this tool to produce content and passing it off as my own work? 

  • If I use this tool as a research aid, am I accurately citing the primary sources? 

 

Remember, every time you use an AI tool to help you produce an assessed piece of work (e.g. essay, report, presentation, code, formulas, etc.), you place yourself at risk – even if you have nothing but good intentions.