Comment from UNE Education Futures
UNE acknowledges the widespread interest in artificial intelligence (AI) generative tools, such as Chat GPT, and the impact on teaching and learning activities, and academic integrity. Discussions within the sector, and proposed responses, continue to evolve and we are monitoring developments to inform our ongoing response.
We note that AI generative tools are already, and will more strongly become, key in the workforces of today and into the future. We therefore encourage consideration of AI-generative tools in teaching and learning activities.
In relation to academic integrity issues, UNE’s policy position is unchanged. Under the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule, academic misconduct includes ‘presenting under the student’s own name, work substantially written by someone else’ (italics are our emphasis). This includes the use of AI generative tools.
We note that now, as always, assessment design is one of the key enablers of maintaining academic integrity in our courses and units. We encourage all Unit Coordinators to consider how to maintain academic integrity in units, including any potential impact of AI generative tools, and determine whether assessment changes are required as part of overall unit design.
Should Unit Coordinators choose to utilise AI-generative tools in teaching and learning activities in units, we encourage communication with students on the appropriate use of those tools. As always, we strongly encourage regular communication with students on the importance of academic integrity in their studies, particularly considering the advent of these AI generative tools.
Teams within Education Futures and colleagues throughout UNE can assist in this area:
- Digital Education can assist in considering AI-generative tools in teaching and learning, and help in maintaining academic integrity in assessment design.
- The Academic Development team will be holding a series of webinars on these AI tools and their implications for assessment. The first is on ‘Managing ChatGPT: A Practical Guide for Unit Coordinators’ presented by Aaron Driver from the Business School on Monday 6th March. Register at this link.
As developments in this space arise, Education Futures will provide updated advice and information to staff.
As a student, more prominent information regarding the acceptable citation of generative artificial intelligence would be beneficial. I realise that APA and the others haven’t gotten their acts together, but other universities are offering guidance, such as referencing it as either a personal conversation or as software in their library study guides. It should be easy for me as a student to find the information I need. Cheers!