Before using any GenAI or AI tool, you should ask yourself why you want to use it in the first place. There are a variety of reasons why you might choose not to use GenAI.
Ask yourself:
Am I missing out on a learning experience by using this tool?
Why do I want to use this tool?
Is this tool appropriate for my needs?
Remember that university experiences develop your knowledge and skills so when you finish a degree, you’re well equipped for employment or further study. Using GenAI to do your assignments for you is bypassing the learning process, and you’re missing out on developing and practicing the skills you need to know. For example, we don’t start out learning how to do math in kindergarten using graphic calculators. We have to understand the basics of mathematics on our own and then we can use graphic calculators to help us solve advanced mathematical problems.
Similarly, if you want to run a 5K, but you’ve never been a runner, you need to train first. Building up muscle and endurance and good practices takes time, just like learning the knowledge and skills for your college degree.
Using generative AI to create content that you have not extended upon, modified, or engaged with meaningfully means you are presenting work that is not your own, and no development of your knowledge and skills has occurred. Using a GenAI tool to create or re-write your assignment and then submitting that work as your own is the same as asking another person to do your work for you.
Let’s review the flowchart on this page. Pay special attention to the "Yes, but" area.
Should I Use AI
Remember, ALWAYS verify generated responses against trusted, authoritative sources available to you through the library. If anything is unclear, you can always Ask A Librarian!
