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For Subject Coordinators, Tutors and other teaching academics

Generative AI (Gen AI)

What you can learn from this page:

  • What is Generative AI (Gen AI)?
  • Using GenAI in your studies and research
  • How to reference GenAI tools?
  • Academic integrity and ethical use
  • Considerations when using GenAI tools

What is Generative AI (Gen AI)? 

Generative AI (GenAI) creates digital content, such as text or images, based on the prompts you enter into the GenAI tool. 

Some Gen AI tools include: 

  • Microsoft Copilot* 

  • ChatGPT 

  • Claude 

  • Google Gemini 

  • Midjourney 

These tools allow you to experiment and use AI technology. Many of which are built into platforms such as Microsoft 365 (Copilot), Google (Google Gemini) and Padlet.

*Microsoft Copilot is UOW's preferred GenAI tool as it is covered by commercial data protection. For more information, see our guide, Using Microsoft Copilot for study and research.

Using Gen AI in your studies and research? 

For students and staff, GenAI tools can help you brainstorm ideas, explore a range of concepts, or generate starting points for assignments, projects and research. These tools can save you time and be more efficient, however they should not function as a substitute for your own critical thinking. There are key points to consider if you do use Gen AI in your studies: 

Do Don't
Confirm if GenAI is permitted in your assessments Use GenAI in assessments unless explicitly permitted by your subject coordinator, lecturer, or supervisor
Check if content is accurate or reliable. Use the TRAAP Test to evaluate information and sources Upload sensitive information or data to AI tools unless you are certain the platform ensures data protection, like Microsoft Copilot
Use critical thinking and only use generative AI to explore ideas Use Gen AI as a substitute for learning or assessments
Cite GenAI accordingly when used Present or submit AI generated text as your own work, as this can be considered plagiarism and academic misconduct

How to reference GenAI tools?

If you are permitted to use GenAI in your academic work, it is important that you reference how you have used it and cite it accordingly. You can refer to the Referencing generative AI page, where you will find examples for citing generative AI for a range of styles such as AGLC4, Harvard, Footnoting, IEE, MLA, Chicago, Vancouver, and APA7. 

Academic integrity and ethical use of GenAI

Gen AI is becoming more common in education and research and it is important to be mindful of how you are using these tools in an ethical and responsible way. There are key points to consider if you do use GenAI in your studies: 

Things to be aware of:  How can l mitigate this and be better informed:                    
GenAI outputs are shaped by the data it was trained on, the type of content it is designed to generate, and the tasks it was built to perform. GenAI's capabilities can be limited and the information it provides may be outdated or incomplete.

Find and use scholarly and peer reviewed sources/articles                                                                                                                           
GenAI can reflect biases and can provide wrong or misleading information. AI is not always accurate Ensure you verify sources from AI
GenAI can generate false content, such as fake references, since it cannot fact check what it generates. Always check AI content for accuracy, quality and relevance to your work.  Learn to identify fake references (YouTube video, 3 min)

Additional support

If you have additional questions regarding Generative AI in your studies and research, contact your subject coordinator, tutor, or research supervisor. 

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