University work and using AI

One of the biggest issues facing universities today is how to adapt their assessments and marking criteria to the wide-ranging accessibility of AI. Most universities understand that AI can, in some contexts, be a valuable and necessary technology which can be harnessed by students to make them better researchers. Here are some key tips to using AI while following the rules:

1) Read the policy

It may seem obvious but your student handbook will contain clear guidelines on when AI can and cannot be used. This should always be your guide and you should make sure to remember what is detailed in here. AI policy also varies by university which is why consulting your handbook is more important than even asking a well-informed friend of yours at another British university.

2) Check for each assignment

Many universities like KCL now include the level of AI usage which is allowed. For example, most assignments allow for varying degrees of AI usage but some very clearly prohibit any AI usage. Knowing exactly what level of AI usage is acceptable for specific assignments is also important. If you are unsure, make sure to email your course/module convenor asking if the use of AI is permitted and, if so, in what ways.

3) Think research assistant, not paper writer

While it can be tempting to use AI to write parts (or even the whole!) of your assignment, this is not how universities want you to use AI. Instead, you should think of AI as a research assistant; able to help you collect different sources, analyse papers, and come up with topic or argument ideas. As with any assistant, however, make sure to check the information AI is giving you is correct and that it is not “hallucinating”. After all, we all make mistakes – including AI – so make sure those mistakes do not end up under your name.