Answers

Some of the main ways that students can use generative artificial intelligence (genAI) in their university work include:

1) Using genAI as a research starter

You can use AI platforms to get your research started by asking them to suggest some academic sources that could help you begin your research. 

If you choose to do this, however, it is your responsibility to find those sources, check that they are real and credible, and then find the relevant information within them that applies to your assignment.

Students are not permitted to simply copy and paste sources from AI platforms into their reference lists. 

You could also ask AI to summarise concepts for you, to get a better understanding of them. Bear in mind that AI platforms are not credible, so it is not advisable to use them as sources in your work.

Rather, read the summaries they provide and then, once you have some keywords, go to the Arden Library to begin a deeper search for academic sources. 

2) Finding examples of types of writing or frameworks

You can use generative AI to give you examples of frameworks or types of writing that you don't have a good understanding of. 

For example, you could ask AI to give you an example of a reflective essay using a particular model of reflection. 

You can use the example to see how a reflective essay looks, and to get an idea of what may be expected of you in your assignment. 

However, keep in mind that you are not allowed to take your assignment question and ask AI to generate an answer for you. Doing this would amount to academic misconduct.  

You should also always ask your lecturer for clarification if you are unsure of how to structure or write your assignment. Always follow the instructions in the assignment brief. 

3) Getting formative feedback (in addition to your lecturer's)

Generative AI can give you generic feedback on various aspects of your work, in addition to the formative feedback your lecturer will give you. 

You can ask for feedback by uploading or pasting your work into the AI tool and giving the appropriate prompt, for example, "Give me feedback on my academic writing."

Remember that any feedback AI provides should be dealt with in a critical way and implemented by you. Do not allow AI to implement the feedback for you or rewrite parts of your work (even if it offers), as doing this would amount to academic misconduct.

Never copy and paste ideas from AI, as this would also constitute academic misconduct. 

For more details on how generative artificial intelligence can and should not be used, refer to the University's Statement on the use of AI in Assessment, available on our Artificial Intelligence webpage.

If you would like more help understanding generative AI and how it can be used in your academic work, book an academic skills appointment or email our team at AcademicSkills@arden.ac.uk