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Generative AI

A guide on generative AI

Welcome

What is Generative AI?

Generative Artifical Intelligence (AI) is a machine learning technology that uses AI technology to understand natural language inputs (called prompts) and to generate natural language outputs (called completions). Users interact with generative AI tools and systems in a question and answer style “conversation”.

Australian National University (2023) Chat GPT and other generative AI tools: What ANU academics need to know (PDF, 103KB)

What Generative AI systems are publically available?

There are many Generative AI systems available, including:

The University does not recommend any specific system. The University will continue to “help students develop skills around the appropriate and responsible use of AI tools as part of an ongoing conversation about academic integrity, ethics and professional practice”.

Australian National University (2023) Chat GPT and other generative AI tools: What ANU academics need to know (PDF, 103KB)

Generative AI for teaching and learning

Are students allowed to use Chat GPT?

Individual course convenors will guide students on what uses of ChatGPT may or may not be permitted in a specific course.

“ChatGPT is one of various AI language models and other AI tools that students can access. It would be ineffectual to ban access to ChatGPT. We also recognise that the use of AI tools by students can support their learning. The application of AI tools in some professions is growing and students need to be able to use them effectively. The ANU plans to work with staff so they can help students develop skills around the appropriate and responsible use of AI tools as part of an ongoing conversation about academic integrity, ethics and professional practice”.

Australian National University (2023) Chat GPT and other generative AI tools: What ANU academics need to know (PDF, 103KB)

What guidance does the University provide about generative AI for teaching and learning?

For more information see the Centre for Teaching and Learning blog ChatGPT: What ANU academics need to know.

Turnitin

Turnitin recently turned on a preview of its AI writing detection tool.

The tool is not part of the University's regular contract with Turnitin and it will not continue to be visible beyond 1 January 2024 unless we decide to upgrade our license to include it.

The tool is available and visible to staff, but not to students, who only see the regular originality score.

As the Turnitin AI writing detection tool was introduced part-way through a teaching semester, we had no opportunity to evaluate it or consider how we might properly prepare staff and students around its use. Hence, the Turnitin AI writing detection tool will not be used at ANU for the purposes of pursuing academic integrity matters at this time.

While the tool remains available, we can learn more about it and assess its efficacy, talk to our peers across the sector, and make an informed judgement about whether it has a place in our academic integrity toolkit.

Referencing and generative AI

How should generative AI be cited?

Generative AI content can be unique because it is not created by a person and the content is generally non-recoverable by the reader. 

While different referencing styles have different requirements for citing generative AI content, some do not provide requirements and authors should therefore follow the format for a personal communication. 

As a general guideline, you should:

  • cite a generative AI tool whenever you paraphrase, quote, or incorporate into your own work any content (whether text, image, data, or other) that was created by it
  • acknowledge all functional uses of the tool (like editing your prose or translating words) in a note, your text, or another suitable location
  • take care to vet the secondary sources it cites.

MLA Style Center, 2023, https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/

 

The guidance provided is current as of 3 May 2023.

What to do if AI has provided references you can’t locate?

Citations from any source should always be checked and verified, as this is part of the practice of Academic Integrity.

You should verify any references provided by any generative AI system.

If references can’t be located please ask the Library or your course convenor or supervisor.

AGLC

In text

Two options

  1. Output from ChatGPT, OpenAI to [First name Surname], 3 May 2023.
  2. Output from ChatGPT, OpenAI to Marshall Lee, 23 April 2023. The output was generated in response to the prompt, ‘[Detail question/propt here]’: see Appendix A. 

Reference list

Placed in 'Other' category in bibliography.

OpenAI, ChatGPT to First name, Surname, Output, 3 May 2023

Appendix

Appendix created for the detail of the prompt.

APA

In text

(OpenAI, 2023).

Reference list

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

Further detail is provided by the APA in the blog post How to cite ChatGPT?

Chicago

In text

Three options are available:

  1. Numbered Footnote
    Text generated by ChatGPT, May 3, 2023, OpenAI, https://chat.openai.com/chat.
     
  2. Notation
    ChatGPT, response to “Specific Question asked,” May 3, 2023, OpenAI
     
  3. Author-date 
    (ChatGPT, May 3, 2023).

Reference list

Do not cite ChatGPT in a bibliography or reference list.

Further detail is provided in the Chicago Manual of Style online FAQ.

Harvard

To be referenced using private communication format.

In text

(OpenAI ChatGPT, personal communication, 3 May 2023) 
or
OpenAI ChatGPT (personal communication, 3 May 2023)

Reference

Entry not required in reference list.

IEEE

To be referenced using private communication format.

In text

Specific question asked (OpenAI's ChatGPT, private communication, 3 May 2023).

Reference

Entry not required in reference list.

MLA

The MLA Style Center has developed guidelines for the citation of a generative AI interaction.

The guidelines state you should:

  • cite a generative AI tool whenever you paraphrase, quote, or incorporate into your own work any content (whether text, image, data, or other) that was created by it
  • acknowledge all functional uses of the tool (like editing your prose or translating words) in a note, your text, or another suitable location
  • take care to vet the secondary sources it cites.

In text

(specific question asked)

Reference list

“Specific question asked” prompt. ChatGPT, OpenAI, 3 May. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.

Visit the MLA website for specific examples and guidance.

Vancouver

To be referenced using personal communication format.

In text

(OpenAI’s ChatGPT, response to input from author, 3 May, 2023).

Reference

Entry not required in reference list.

Further reading

Further reading

Support and guidance

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Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT)

ANU staff can get support from the ANU Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT).

CLT provides expert advice and support in delivering innovative learning and teaching services through collaborative partnerships across the University.

For more information and support, browse the CLT website, subscribe to their newsletter, read blog posts, or email clt@anu.edu.au

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