Use of language models such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can support your learning when used appropriately, but AI tools cannot replace your own thinking and writing.
What do I need to know?
AI tools can support your learning when used appropriately. This means you can receive assistance with brainstorming ideas and writing support, but AI tools cannot replace your own thinking and writing. You may miss out on valuable learning if you let AI tools take over your tasks and development as a student. Additionally, having subject knowledge and an overview of the curriculum is essential to benefit from tools like writing robots. Understanding the topic helps you create good prompts and critically eveluate suggestions you receive from tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot.
Independent work
When completing assignments at UiS, it’s essential that your work reflects your own learning and effort. You should avoid copying text from a language model or other sources. Ultimately, you are responsible for the final text submitted for assessment.
Generated text is not a scientific source
In academic texts, it’s crucial to use verifiable and scientific sources that demonstrate the foundation of your knowledge. Academic arguments and claims should be testable. This means that the assessor is able to trace back to the sources you’ve used in your assignment through the citations in your text.
Text generated by a language model is not an information source on par with, for example, required reading materials or research articles. The primary issue with text produced by a language model is that it is not retrievable; we don’t know which source material was used or where the text originated. No one verifies the quality of the produced texts. Consequently, a language model can provide incorrect and biased information, citing sources that are neither credible nor accurate. When reading or working with text from a language model, it’s essential to exercise source criticism. You can learn more about source criticism in Kildekompasset
If you’ve been instructed to use text or similar content generated by a language model in an exam or assignment, you should reference the bot just like any other source. Additionally, describe how you’ve utilized the language model and include the chat log. To learn how to reference a language model using APA style, consult Kildekompasset.
How to use a language model as learning support during assignment writing/exams
Language models like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are permissible aids in assignments and exams where all aids are allowed and nothing else is specified. These can be useful tools, but you still have to adhere to the rules of academic writing and citation. If you're unsure about what applies to your course, contact the course coordinator.
In general, proper use of AI tools means that these tools are used as an aid. The response is prepared by the students themselves, and sources are cited in accordance with the regulations. The sources should be referenced both in the reference list and within the text.
If you submit text, calculations, etc. that are directly copied from a language model , this will be considered as presenting others' work as your own, and thus, cheating. It should be clear what are your ideas and what are others.
Study group partner
You can use a language model for brainstorming during assignment writing in order to:
- Discuss possible issues or topics.
- Receive suggestions for the structure of a text.
- Discuss potential choices of methodology.
- Receive suggestions for arguments for and against a claim.
- Request additional explanations on concepts and terms you find difficult to understand in the curriculum .
Remember that you must always evaluate the information/advice you receive. Check it against the curriculum and be critical. Feel free to discuss the advice with your fellow students.
Writing support/Proofreading
- Language models may be a tool for language correction when writing assignments. However, this might not be permissible in a language course.
- You can ask the language model for help in finding grammatical errors, improving sentence structure, or suggesting alternative words to avoid repetition.
- Do not directly copy and paste the text into your assignment. Ask the chatbot what changes it has made so that you can assess whether they are relevant or not. It's wise to work with short paragraphs at a time to critically evaluate the suggested changes made by the language model.
- Remember to proofread yourself or have someone else proofread.
Use of AI self-declaration form
Some faculties have decided that an AI self-declaration form must be uploaded in Inspera when submitting assignments. Check with your course coordinator if this applies to your assignment.
If there is a requirement to fill out a self-declaration form for the use of AI tools in the assignment, the form should be available in Inspera.
The purpose of the form is to account for the use of AI in the assignment. This is to make you as a student aware of your own use, and for the examiner to assess the use from a methodological perspective. Methods and working are an important part of the assessment of the assignment.
Remember that regardless of whether the self-declaration form is to be used or not in your course, it is required that you as a student must cite AI tools as sources if you have used them for text generation.
