Introduction to Generative AI: Victoria University Guidelines

Victoria University Guidelines

Generative AI and Large Language Models are subsets of Artificial Intelligence. There is potential to use Generative AI responsibly in study at VU, but there are also risks that you must consider when using this type of technology

It is a students responsibility to be aware of University policy and guidelines and understand the obligations as a student. The current Academic Integrity Guidelines include the use of generative artificial intelligence tools (Section 7, para. 83-90) and can be accessed here. As there is continuous evolution of Gen AI tools these guidelines are periodically updated.

There is a risk in using Gen AI tools and presenting the work as your own. The VU Academic Integrity Library Guide is a great place to begin researching and studying with integrity.

The VU APA 7 Referencing Guide has tips on how to cite or acknowledge Gen AI tools.

Copyright and Generative AI

Under Australian copyright law, works created by non-humans are not eligible for copyright protection. In addition, there is a question about the materials used to train Generative AI tools and what protection these materials had, which may lead to future legal challenges.

The Complex World of Style, Copyright and Generative AI blog discusses some of the issues around copying works to train AI and whether that should be considered copyright infringement.

Refer to the latest information on AI and copyright in Australia on the Australian Copyright Agency website.

Is this tool AI?

The VU policy clearly states that the student is responsible for the contents of their assessments.  What this means that students are responsible for knowing whether the tools they are using utilise Generative AI. 

If a tool has Generative AI capability, even if you think you are not using that portion, your work may be identified as having used Generative AI – this is how digital watermarks work.  A student is responsible for the tools used in writing and submitting assessments.

 

Risks with using generative AI tools for study

You need to consider these risks when using generative AI tools for study or work.

important

  1. Do not provide any private/sensitive/confidential information when using generative AI tools. Information used as a prompt can potentially be used as future training data.
  2. Verify any information provided by generative AI tools with credible sources and check for missing information.
  3. Remember to acknowledge any generative AI tools that you use for your assignments. Keep a record of how you used them and any prompts used.
  4. Always seek advice from your course coordinators if you plan to use generative AI tools to help you complete assessments.

Case studies

'I used AI to cheat at uni and regret it'

How to use AI to learn (without cheating): students develop new guide - The University of Sydney

Federal Court Ruling Sets Landmark Precedent for AI Cheating in Schools - Unite.AI