Using generative AI

 “Artificial intelligence, or AI, is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.” (IBM, 2024)

Generative artificial intelligence is a form of AI technology that can produce text, images, and other media in response to user prompts. These tools (including ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot) are not sentient - they only mimic intelligence, through algorithmic prediction and pattern recognition. Drawing on large quantities of data, these tools create outputs based on probability.

It is important to remember that the responses provided by generative AI tools do not express meaning, understanding, or intentionality. As a result, responses generated by these tools cannot be relied upon to be accurate and always need to be fact-checked. 

The use of AI tools is becoming common practice across a variety of industries, which means that understanding how to use generative AI effectively and responsibly will likely be a key skill for employment.

You might at times be asked to use AI within your studies, to help you develop skills relating to its effective, responsible, and professional use. For other assessments, use of generative AI may be prohibited, as the assessment is designed to develop your academic and transferable skills. 

Key points to remember

Content created or significantly modified by generative AI, whether text, code, images, or video, should only be used if this is clearly stated to be essential or optional for an assessment task, and should always be fully evidenced and acknowledged.

• Always consult your tutor or assessment documents on expectations for AI use
• Always fact-check any information generated using AI
• Always be transparent in acknowledging your use of generative AI,
• Always keep records of your interactions with AI tools