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)

There are many Generative AI systems available, including:

• ChatGPT
• Papers Digest
• Humata
• Paper Brain
• Explain Paper
• PapersGPT
• Teach Anything
• Experai 

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)

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)

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

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.

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.

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.

Getting in touch with us is easy:

• get in-person assistance from Library staff at the any Library branch information desk
• book a reference consultation with an information adviser
• chat with staff online
• browse the ANU Library website for detailed information on our resources, services, and opening hours
• email Library staff at library.info@anu.edu.au
• call us on 02 6125 9577.

We're the information specialists, and are here to help you!

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