Generative AI tools (Gemini, CoPilot, ChatGPT and more)

Is using it cheating? What about plagiarism?

Since there are many ways to use a generative AI tool -- the answer on whether using it is cheating is it DEPENDS.

Although there are not (yet) new policies about its use per se -- using (e.g. copy/paste) texts or code that is created by a GenAI tool, for example, is covered under the UMN Student Conduct Code on Scholastic Dishonesty.

Plagiarism is defined in the Conduct Code as Plagiarism, "representing the words, creative work, or ideas of another person as one’s own without providing proper documentation of source." Those some students might point out that "words" created by a GenAI tool isn't a "person" -- these arguments miss the intent of the policy.  YOUR INSTRUCTOR will determine whether it is a violation of academic dishonesty. If you aren't sure, ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR for clarity.

When should I "cite" GenAI tools as a source?

• If you are doing research ABOUT Generative AI or other tools and using it is the topic and want to include example -- then yes you should cite it like any other source or evidence (e.g. in APA or MLA style). Or if you are using it to help analyze texts or using it as a tool -- include information on how you are using it in your assignment.
• If you are using a GenAI tool to help with background research, to create outlines, select keywords, etc. -- you should likely check with your instructor about their class policies.
• In general -- don't use a GenAI tool as a "source" of information because it is often wrong or mixes correct and incorrect information. It isn't considered a credible source for academic research and writing.

Where can I get questions answered?

• Check with your instructor - they are the best person to give you advice in how you can or can't use it in your classes
• Check your syllabus - here are some examples "syllabus statements" from UMN
• UMN Office of Community Standards
• UMN Center for Writing
• UMN Student Conflict Resolution Center
• your academic advisor
• your career center professionals can give you advice on using it for cover letters, applications, etc.
• UMN Libraries can help with finding sources, evaluating and other research techniques.

Generative AI tools often create citations for articles and sources that don't exist.

While these tools might give you a citation for an article by an author(s) that usually writes about your topic, or even identify a journal that publishes on your topic, but the title, pages numbers, and dates are fictional. These tools make a "best guess" as to the article titles and sources that you want in your research.

Yet -- they might give you actual real article citations, too. So you need to check. You can try to see if the articles are real by searching in Libraries Search on our home page or in Google Scholar or Google.

It's better to use Generative AI tools for tasks like:

• Brainstorming and getting creative topic ideas
• Editing and constructive criticism of your writing
• Explaining concepts at multiple difficulty levels
• Summarizing long texts

• other writing and text-related tasks.

Generative AI tools are not designed to be a search engine. Use Libraries Search, Google Scholar, or databases for your discipline instead.

• What do you think of these tools? Have you used or experimented with it? Why or Why not?
• How do tools like ChatGPT work?
• Where does the data comes from? Is it biased? Is it verified? 
• Who gains when we use tools like this? 
• How do these tools generate text patterns and not meaning? Are they creative?
• What biases do they contain?
• Do you think it is the game-changer that many seem to believe it is?
• What does it mean if we are at a point when the tool can create human-like content that isn't actually created by humans?
• What are the potential implications for research? Education? Work? The Arts? Music?  
• What do tools like this mean for future education and work? 
• What questions do you have about these tools?