Read This Before You Use Gen AI in University

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) introduces new opportunities to support education and research, but we still need to approach Gen AI with careful thought and consideration.

While AI’s speed and efficiency sound promising, it also comes with risks:

• It gets a lot of things wrong
• It can spread misinformation and harmful biases
• It has a significant impact on the environment

Is Using Gen AI Cheating?

AI tools are not always permitted. Remember: just because one course permits Gen AI doesn’t mean all courses will. It’s best practice to ask your instructor about their expectations.

Many AI tools can help you research, study, and even revise your work. However, using AI can often blur the line between assistance and academic misconduct.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your instructor permits you to use AI in your learning. Each course may adopt different rules regarding AI usage depending on learning outcomes.

Other Considerations

Using AI comes with other implications, such as:

Intellectual property (IP) concerns 

Gen AI uses predictive modeling to generate text, images, audio, or videos. This means that Gen AI tools effectively regurgitate content without attributing the original creators. 

Additionally, content you enter into the tool may be used for further training, so you may be handing over IP without realizing it.

Privacy and security concerns 

You should never enter sensitive information such as birthdays, passwords, IDs, and so on. When possible, use a secure AI tool to protect your privacy. As a UCalgary student, you can access a secure version of Microsoft Copilot Chat by logging in with your IT account.

Learn more about how to use AI tools responsibly by visiting the IT Support Centre’s page on Microsoft Copilot Chat: https://it.ucalgary.ca/it-security/microsoft-copilot-chat.

Diminished personal development

AI promises efficiency, but it can also hinder your personal growth, especially when you use it to bypass genuine effort. Like with any tool, AI should support your learning, not replace it.

Conclusion

Responsible use of AI tools means being aware of the implications. For a more detailed look into the implications of using Gen AI, check out the Student Success Centre’s handout on Why Using Gen AI Requires Caution.