How to use ChatGPT responsibly
You may have already started using ChatGPT and other AI tools for your assignment. Critical considerations before taking additional steps include the following:
Do you have your instructor’s permission?
Instructor permission for use of AI tools for course assignments varies. Some instructors encourage students to use ChatGPT, some allow limited use, and others prohibit use. Before you begin (or continue with) interacting with an AI tool, carefully read your course syllabus for a description of the scope of AI tool use for assignments. Carefully review general statements, examine specific assignment instructions, and highlight phrases relating to AI tool use. If you cannot locate information about the use of ChatGPT, reach out to your instructor.
Do you know how to cite and document your use of ChatGPT?
Your instructor may allow you to use of ChatGPT if you cite and document how you have used this tool. You may need to consider the style guide you are to use for the course; if you are following APA style, for example, do you need to cite the use of ChatGPT in a particular way? If you have been asked to include evidence of your prompts and the output generated by the tool, should you capture this information via screenshots and include it in your appendices? If you are unsure, the UVic library provides helpful guidance on citing AI tool use and on documenting prompts and outputs.
Do you know the risks of using ChatGPT?
AI tools are notorious for generating hallucinated content, creating false citations, and producing output that is vague, impersonal, biased, and “robotic” in tone. Can you confidently spot errors in its output? Can you identify and rely on the sources it has drawn on for the created text? How do you feel about using text that may have been pulled from sources without their permission or knowledge?
Resources on GenerativeAI at UVic Libraries
- Browse their online guide to understanding GenAI, including key concepts and terminology
- Consult their online guide to citing text and images created by GenAI tools
- Take one of their AI workshops to get a general introduction to generative AI, or learn more about specific topics like AI transcription tools and prompt engineering.
- Take our asynchronous workshop on Prompt Design for Beginners. You will learn how to create effective prompts for querying large language models (LLMs).
UVic's position statement on the use of GenAI
Always review UVic’s position statement on generative AI before using GenAI tools in your coursework.
To learn more about this topic and to get help
Book a free in-person or online appointment with a Centre for Academic Communication academic coach!