6 Principles for the use of generative AI at RMIT
Use of generative AI in your learning and study process should be ethical, productive, and uphold critical thinking. Below are some principles to consider when using generative AI in your studies.
1. Ensure your use of AI follows the guidelines given for the particular course, unit, and assessment
- Follow your instructor’s guidance on exactly what and how generative AI tools can be used during assessments for your unit.
- Ensure that you understand the academic integrity rules at RMIT, including the rules for the use of AI tools.
- Ensure that any use of generative AI has been referenced and acknowledged according to RMIT’s policies and guidelines.
- Use of AI in a way that is not consistent with policies and guidelines can result in a finding of academic misconduct.
2. Keep track throughout your assignment process of the ways you have used generative AI
- Save copies of each step to create a record that can be shared with instructors to facilitate respectful conversations about your work. For example, keep copies of your previous drafts before and after interacting with generative AI.
3. Ensure that your final work is your own and is not copy and pasted from a generative AI tool
- Your own style and voice should be evident.
- Simply rephrasing AI-generated content is not enough for it to be considered your own work! You must still apply your own critical thinking and logical reasoning to write assignments and, most importantly, ensure learning.
4. Exercise critical thinking and disciplinary expertise when considering AI-generated information
- It is important to fact-check the information you receive. Note the limitations of generative AI, including that content generated by AI may not be up-to-date, content generated by AI may not be accurate, and it has a limited ability to provide a reliable source for the information it outputs.
5. Be wary of biases in the generative AI you are using
- AI tools may align with commercial objectives or political prejudices.
- Apply critical thinking at all times: analyse and contextualise AI’s outputs and cross-verify any information AI gives you.
- Form your own perspective.
Further resources
Here are some additional resources to consult on how to use generative AI productively and responsibly in your studies:
- Deakin University student guide to using generative AI
- Flinders University guide for students using generative AI
- The University of Sydney’s resources for students and staff on generative AI
- Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) advice for students using generative AI
- Leon Furze’s comprehensive series on AI ethics including considerations of bias, discrimination, environmental impacts, human labour, copyright, and more.
- Commentary article on biases behind ChatGPT: ‘The politics of AI: ChatGPT and political bias’, by Jeremy Baum & John Villasenor