Generative AI tools rely on information from the internet, which includes both accurate and reliable sources as well as outdated, biased, or incorrect information. These tools can sometimes provide inaccurate explanations or misrepresent sources, so it’s essential to critically evaluate their outputs—just as you would with any information source. Learn more about evaluating generative AI outputs on the AI Literacy & Evaluation Criteria page- opens in a new window.

Students should be aware that using generative AI tools typically requires creating an account. When you create accounts or interact with AI platforms, your personal information, inputs, and even behavioural data can be collected, which may be stored or shared with third parties.

Additionally, there’s a risk that sensitive information shared with AI could be used to further train the model, potentially leading to unintended data exposure. It’s important for students to be mindful of the information shared during account creation and to review the privacy policies and terms of use for any generative AI tool to understand how your data will be handled and to be cautious about sharing any personal or sensitive information.

When using generative AI tools, it’s essential to consider the purpose and intent behind your use to maintain academic integrity and ethical standards. Ask yourself: What am I using this software to create? For instance, if you’re using an image generator, are you trying to replicate the style of a specific living artist? This raises ethical concerns, as it may infringe upon that artist’s intellectual property. Similarly, consider whether you’re using AI to complete assignments or produce content without informing your instructor. Using generative AI tools in a class setting without your teacher’s knowledge can lead to misunderstandings and potential breaches of academic integrity policies. Always be transparent with your instructor about how you’re incorporating AI into your work, and ensure that your use aligns with your institution’s policies.

Generative AI can enhance various tasks, but it cannot replace essential skills like research, critical thinking, and evaluating information. While AI tools can quickly provide information, the ability to conduct thorough research—formulating effective questions, identifying credible sources, and synthesizing information—is vital. Critical thinking enables you to analyze AI-generated content for validity and discern bias or inaccuracies. Instead of replacing these skills, generative AI should be viewed as a supportive tool that enhances your research capabilities, allowing you to focus on deeper analysis and critical engagement with the material for more informed outcomes.

When you use generative AI tools to create content it’s essential to disclose that it’s AI-generated. In academic work, be sure to check your college's policies and let your instructor know how you’re using AI, as transparency is part of academic integrity.

Disclosure Statements

When using generative AI tools, it's important to include clear disclosure statements to inform your audience about the AI’s role in content creation. Unlike citations, which specifically credit the source of information, disclosure statements provide transparency about how AI has been used—whether it's for generating ideas, drafting content, or providing assistance. This distinction helps maintain ethical standards and fosters trust, ensuring that your audience understands when and how AI has contributed to the material.

There are many different ways to present disclosure statements, depending on how AI was used and the requirements of your institution. Whether brief or detailed, the important thing is that they clearly explain how AI contributed to your work, ensuring transparency and academic integrity. When in doubt, always consult your instructor about their expectations.

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