Generative AI programs are not reliable sources for academic research. Although the outputs may read well and seem to provide accurate information, there are limitations and risks when using generative AI results as the main source of information as it can be inaccurate, out of date, and/or biased. Generative AI has been known to ignore critical perspectives and to generate fake references.
Just like copying and pasting text from the internet into your assignments is considered plagiarism, so is copying and pasting from generative AI.
Our position is that generative artificial intelligence may only be used if it is:
authorised by the Unit Coordinator as part of a specified assessment task or activity;
used in the way specified in assessment instructions, the Assessment Brief and/or Unit Study Guide;
appropriately acknowledged, as stated in the assessment instructions.
It is your responsibility to check any generative AI output against reliable sources of information and you will be accountable for any errors or omissions in material generated by AI.
Your lecturer or tutor may know if you have used AI tools by indicators such as:
The lack of or inaccuracy of sources and referencing.
The style, tone, format, and voice of writing produced by AI tools.
The failure to use ideas or concepts from class materials and discussions.
In addition, AI detection tools are available to lecturers when marking assessment submissions. For example, Turnitin has its own AI detection tool.
If you use AI tools without permission or fail to cite them properly, you risk committing academic misconduct. This can result in penalties such as receiving a fail grade or being required to resubmit your assessment.
Additionally, using AI tools as a replacement for critical thinking and analysis can hinder your academic growth and learning. It is essential to use these tools ethically and responsibly and to ensure that they are used as a supplement to your own research and analysis rather than as a replacement.
Please review the APIC Academic Integrity Policy (opens in a new tab)for more information about your responsibilities as a student.