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GAI and chatbots

What is GAI?

Advancements in artificial intelligence have progressed rapidly in recent years, particularly in the development of applications based on large language models, such as GAI (Generative Artificial Intelligence).

GAI technologies are characterized by their ability to generate text, images, synthetic data, code, and other media using generative models through a user-friendly interface. For example, GAI technologies can generate new text in response to your questions (prompts), and they can also edit and rewrite existing text. GAI technology is able to do this based on "learning" patterns and structures from existing examples of text, enabling it to generate new coherent texts.

What can GAI be used for?

GAI can be a valuable technology in your study work if used consciously, reflectively, and with a critical approach. It should not be used to produce text and content for your assignments, as that would be considered cheating. However, it can support your work process, such as generating ideas, providing creative inputs, and improving your texts.

       

Individual work

Get feedback on texts you write You can give the chatbot an excerpt from a text you have written, for example from a report or an analysis, and ask the chatbot to give you feedback on the grammar, coherence and clarity of the text. In other words, you can use chatbots to help you improve the quality of your writing. 
Get alternative formulations You can ask chatbots to suggest different ways of wording parts of your text, for example the title or headings, or to phrase your research question in different ways. 
Get over your writer’s block The chatbots can you get started on a new writing assignment by giving you initial drafts of sentences or passages that you can use to get started. This can be a good tactic if you’re struggling with writer’s block. 
Understand a topic better Chatbots can be a good tool to help you get a quick overview of a complicated topic, theory or concept before you investigate it in more detail and depth. But be aware that the information it gives you may not necessarily be correct.
Enhance your reading Before you start reading a complex primary text, you can use chatbots to get a basic grip on the main ideas, in the same way you use internet searches. This can make it easier to understand the text and clarify what you need to get out of it and how to approach it. Find out more about reading strategies.
Use chatbots as a topic Chatbots are a current topic of interest, and it might be relevant for you to analyse them in a paper or use theories from one of your courses to discuss them. Interesting perspective include law, philosophy, ethics and pedagogy. 
Identify holes in your knowledge Ask the chatbot to explain some academic material to you, and assess whether you – or the chatbot – lack knowledge about it. Maybe the chatbot will say something inaccurate, or maybe it will provide a different perspective on the material. 
Start your search You can use chatbots to get an introduction to a topic and get inspiration for specific keywords you can use when searching the literature.  
Programming GAI can generate code samples and even entire functions based on natural language descriptions or specific requirements. Auto-completion tools can predict and suggest code examples, making it faster to write code, and code review tools can analyze code for potential bugs and vulnerabilities. Finally, GAI can help generate and update documentation by analyzing code and identifying relevant information.
Data analysis GAI can analyze historical data to predict potential problems, estimate project deadlines and optimize resource allocation.
Manufacturing figures Unified Modeling Language diagrams (UML) can be prepared by GAI using description language and more general illustrations (images) can be generated by "AI image generators".

In the study group

Discuss

Discuss how you can use chatbots in a responsible way as a resource in your work together without the risk of cheating. Draw on each other for inspiration – and ask your lecturer for help if you have any doubts.
Mythbuster

Confirm or reject the chatbot’s answer. Ask the chatbot a number of questions about a subject you’re studying, and assess its responses critically. Confirm or reject the chatbot’s answer based on your reading of relevant academic sources.
The Turing test 

The Turing test is a way of determining whether a machine can exhibit intelligence equivalent to a human.

Come up with a series of questions about your subject, as if you were designing an exam. Distribute the questions among yourselves. Answer your question, and then ask the chatbot the same question. You and your fellow students should take turns reading your own and the chatbot’s answers to each other. The other students should try to guess whether each answer was generated by the chatbot or written by the student.  
Topic of interest

Chatbots are a current topic of interest, and it might be relevant for you to analyse them in a paper or use theories from one of your courses to discuss them. Interesting perspective include law, philosophy, ethics and pedagogy. 

How do other students use chatbots?

"I used the bot to find a summary of John Dewey's educational philosophy, as I couldn't process the massive number of search results that appeared on Google. So I used ChatGPT to find the ‘canned’ version, and then I could easily continue my search using the different buzz words on Google"

- 2nd semester Master’s degree student, ICT-based educational design 

"I have used the chatbot to clarify concepts and theorists and to discuss the two theories I used in my assignments, to see if I was on the right track in my own discussion. It confirmed to me that my understanding of the theories and their differences and similarities was legitimate, but it did not give me an adequate answer. So I have used it to develop my professional understanding while writing the assignment."

 - 6th semester Bachelor’s degree student, Educational Science

"I have used ChatGPT to revisit and get an overview of Max Weber and his theories instead of diving into the heavy text again. Here, the results were of fluctuating quality. In general, in relation to theories, GPT can point you in the right direction, a bit like google scholar, but I have also experienced that it has been wrong."

 - 2nd semester Master’s degree student, Arts 

"I have used ChatGPT to revisit and get an overview of Max Weber and his theories instead of pulling out the heavy text again. Here the results were of fluctuating quality. In general, in relation to theories, GPT can point you in the right direction, a bit like google scholar, but I have also experienced that it has been wrong."

- 4th semester Bachelor's degree student, Computer technology

GAI and exams

From the fall of 2024, students are allowed to use generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in all exams at AU unless it is explicitly stated in the academic regulations or course description that they may not.

The new rules have been implemented in the individual academic regulations and course descriptions, therefore it might be beneficial to read these and understand how it applies to your course(s).

Worth considering about GAI in exams:

  • The university’s rules about academic cheating and plagiarism also apply to papers and assignments where students use GAI. See AU’s rules on exam cheating
  • If you use GAI-generated content (text, images, etc.) in your exam paper, you must reference it as you would any other source. 
  • If you use GAI when writing you exam paper, you must complete and submit a declaration as an attachment when you submit their exam – in which you describe how you have used GAI. This declaration and description will not be part of the your grade unless you refer to your use of GAI in the methodology section of your paper. You will not be required to submit a declaration if you use GAI during on-site exams where GAI is allowed.

Rules for GAI use in exams may change, so it is essential to stay updated through: 

Considerations when using GAI in exams

If you use GAI in exams, pay attention to the following: 

  1. Follow standard academic practices regarding transparency, attribution, and declaration. 

  2. Clearly indicate how you have used the tool, included in a declaration attached to the assignment. Read more at Studerende.au.dk/gai. 

  3. Approach GAI responses critically, similar to how you assess scientific articles and sources. 

  4. Evaluate and assess the texts, seeking primary literature sources that form the basis of the GAI response. GAI can produce convincing but potentially incorrect or biased texts. 

  5. Do not share texts or data with confidential, personal, non-anonymized content, or copyrighted material using GAI technology. 

  6. Remember to attribute any use of texts created by others as a quotation. Be aware of proper citation practices using GAI, as outlined in AU Library's recommendations to avoid plagiarism. 

  7. If in doubt about the rules, consult with your supervisor or course coordinator. 
Academic standards
Exams

GAI technologies
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Useful links:

 

Revised 10.12.2024
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Rasmus R. Hansen