New to our libguide lineup this year is a Generative AI Libguide. Discussions around generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) are plentiful, especially regarding it's application in higher education. This new libguide is a quick-start, need-to-know guide for students to better understand how GenAI tools, such as ChatGPT, work, and why their use is controversial in academic settings.
To introduce some of the ideas explored in the libguide, here are two reasons your instructors may not want you to be using GenAI:
GenAI could count as a form of academic misconduct if you rely too heavily on those tools to complete assignments. The NWP Student Rights and Responsibilities policy (2022) defines academic misconduct as “the commission of any action which falsely indicates the student's level of academic achievement.” If you get a program like ChatGPT to write your essay for you, how is that any different that asking another person to write your essay and then claiming the work as your own?
GenAI is an unreliable source of information. It can cite non-existent sources, and misattribute information, both of which can compromise your academic integrity.
For more information on academic integrity and plagiarism, check out our Academic Integrity guide.
Please note that the inclusion of this guide does not mean that you have permission to use GenAI tools to complete assignments. As of October 10, 2024, NWP does not have a institution-wise policy on GenAI, so each instructor is the authority on whether GenAI can be used in their class. Consult the course syllabus and assignment guidelines for every class to see if you are permitted to use GenAI for assignments. If you do not know, the best practice is to assume that you cannot, but you can always ask your instructor for clarification.
Check out our guide at libguides.nwpolytech.ca/generative_ai
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