Generative AI: A Practical Guide

University of York

Navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI in an academic environment. This guide provides key considerations and University policies for responsible and ethical use.

🤖 Understanding Generative AI

Generative Artificial Intelligence refers to AI systems capable of creating new and original content, such as text, images, code, and more, rather than solely analyzing or acting on existing data.

Opportunities

  • Enhances creativity and innovation
  • Aids in research and data analysis
  • Streamlines tasks and improves productivity
  • Facilitates personalized learning experiences

Issues to Consider

  • Potential for inaccuracies and "hallucinations"
  • Risks of bias embedded in training data
  • Complex copyright and intellectual property concerns
  • Ethical dilemmas regarding misuse and authenticity
  • Data privacy and security vulnerabilities

📝 Key Considerations for Using Generative AI

When utilizing Generative AI tools, especially in an academic context, several critical factors must be taken into account to ensure responsible and effective use.

1. Digital Creativity: Generating Content

Guidance: AI tools can be valuable assistants in the content creation process, helping to brainstorm, draft, and refine ideas.

Remember: You are ultimately responsible for the final output. It's crucial to critically evaluate, edit, and verify any material generated by AI to ensure its accuracy, relevance, and originality.

2. Searching for Information: AI as a Source

Advice: While AI can quickly summarize information and offer starting points for research, it should not be treated as a definitive or primary information source.

Caution: Generative AI can produce plausible-sounding but incorrect information ("hallucinations"). Always cross-reference and verify findings with reliable, peer-reviewed academic sources.

3. Acknowledging & Referencing AI ✍ī¸

Requirement: It is mandatory to acknowledge and properly reference the use of generative AI in your academic work, as per University guidelines.

How-to:

  • Follow specific University and departmental citation guidelines.
  • Typically include details such as the AI tool used (e.g., ChatGPT-3.5).
  • Specify the prompt(s) you provided to the AI.
  • Note the date the AI-generated content was accessed or created.

4. Copyright & Generative AI Šī¸

Understanding: Be acutely aware of the copyright implications related to both the vast datasets AI models are trained on and the new content these models produce.

Your Work: Ensure that your use of AI-generated content does not infringe upon existing copyrights. This includes text, images, code, or any other media.

Originality: Carefully consider the originality of AI-generated materials and their suitability for your assignments, especially where original thought and creation are primary assessment criteria.

🏛ī¸ University of York: AI Policies & Guidance

The University of York emphasizes the importance of careful consideration and responsible action when using AI. Specific guidance has been developed for various groups within the university community to ensure AI is used appropriately and ethically.

Specific University Guidance is available for:

  • 🎓
    Teaching & Learning: Guidelines on integrating generative AI into educational practices and curriculum development.
  • 📝
    Student Assessment: Clear rules and expectations for students regarding the use of AI tools in assignments, projects, and examinations. It is crucial to understand what is permissible for your specific assessments.
  • đŸ”Ŧ
    Research: Principles for the responsible conduct of research involving AI tools, including data integrity and ethical considerations.
  • 📚
    PGR Programmes: Tailored advice and support for postgraduate researchers utilizing generative AI in their studies and thesis work.
  • đŸ’ģ
    IT Services Recommendations: Information on University-recommended AI tools and institutional policies for their responsible and secure use.

✨ Core Principles of Responsible & Ethical Use

Adhering to these core principles is essential for leveraging Generative AI constructively and ethically in all academic and research endeavors.

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Accuracy

Always verify information and outputs generated by AI. Cross-reference with reliable sources.

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Bias Awareness

Be conscious that AI can reflect and amplify societal biases present in its training data. Critically assess outputs.

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Transparency

Be open and clear about when, how, and why you have used AI tools in your work.

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Integrity

Uphold academic honesty. Do not represent AI-generated work as entirely your own original thought without proper attribution.

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Privacy & Data Protection

Be cautious about inputting personal, confidential, or sensitive data into public AI platforms.

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Ethical Consideration

Reflect on the broader societal and ethical implications of AI use and its outputs.

🔑 Key Takeaways

To effectively and responsibly navigate the world of Generative AI within the University of York, keep these essential points in mind:

  • Tool, Not a Replacement: View AI as a powerful assistant to augment your skills, not as a substitute for your own critical thinking, effort, and original work.
  • Verify & Validate: Always critically evaluate and check the accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness of any content generated by AI tools.
  • Cite Properly: Acknowledge your use of AI in academic work according to the specific guidelines provided by the University and your department.
  • Understand Policies: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the University of York's evolving policies and guidance on the use of Generative AI.
  • Use Ethically & Responsibly: Always consider the ethical implications of your AI use, ensuring fairness, transparency, and respect for intellectual property.