Generative AI as a study tool

Generative AI tools can be useful for study provided you abide by some important guidelines to help you use them without undermining your learning or violating academic integrity. There are many traps to avoid – learn about the consequences of mis-using generative AI in your studies and always ask the subject coordinator or lecturer if you are unsure.
 

Yes

Some examples of how generative AI tools can be used to assist with study are:

• planning your study timelines
• creating tools such as flashcards
• interacting with a virtual tutor
• understanding basic concepts and brainstorming
   

Be cautious with…

Generative AI tools can become inappropriate 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 work, or not properly cited and referenced.
   

You must always apply critical thinking

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

• Why am I using this tool?
• Am I using this tool to help me think, or to think for me?
• Am I using this tool to produce content and submitting it as my own work?
• If I use this tool as a research aid, am I accurately citing the primary sources?

Every time you use a generative AI tool to help you produce content for an assessed piece of work you place yourself at risk of breaching academic integrity.