How to use ChatGPT and other AI tools as a college student...WITHOUT CHEATING

Summary

Brian Doak, an academic author and university professor, discusses the ethical use of AI tools like chatbots in academic settings. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to guidelines set by professors and syllabi, and the historical context of citation in academia. Doak outlines examples of acceptable use, such as brainstorming broad themes, and gray areas like using AI-generated outlines, which may require citation. He warns against explicit cheating, such as copying AI-generated text without attribution, and stresses the value of academic integrity and honest communication with instructors.

Takeaways

• 📚 The primary guide for using AI tools in academic settings is the professor or instructor's guidelines, as outlined in the course syllabus.
• 🤖 AI language models like Chat GPT can be ethically used for broad searches and inspiration, but not for directly submitting work as one's own.
• 📝 Citation in academic work is crucial to show the historical context of ideas and to demonstrate the authenticity of one's contribution.
• 🎨 The Romantic Period in the 1800s marked a shift towards recognizing authors as unique creative individuals, emphasizing the need for proper attribution.
• 👀 Students are considered scholars in the making and are expected to abide by academic standards of thinking and research.
• 💡 AI tools can serve as a prompt for general ideas but should not replace the student's own analysis and writing.
• 🔍 Using AI for generating outlines or drafts enters a gray area and may require citation or discussion with the professor.
• 🚫 Copying entire paragraphs or sentences from AI and submitting them as original work is considered academic dishonesty and can have serious consequences.
• 📖 Professors value academic integrity and expect students to engage in the scholarly process with honesty and original thought.
• 🌟 The goal of college education is to develop critical thinking and creativity, and students should trust the academic process to guide their intellectual growth.

Q & A

Who is the primary audience of the video, and what is its main purpose?

The primary audience includes college students, professors, and anyone interested in ethical AI usage in academia. The main purpose is to provide guidance on how to use AI tools like chatbots ethically in educational settings, distinguishing between fair use, gray areas, and outright cheating.

Why is citation important in academic writing?

Citation is crucial because it situates an idea within the history of discourse, demonstrates the author's understanding of their discipline, and acknowledges the original sources of information. It upholds the integrity of academic work by providing a transparent trail for readers to verify sources.

What is considered 'not cheating' when using AI tools in college?

Using AI for broad-level searches or general information gathering that informs your work without copying text directly is not considered cheating. This can include using AI to identify major themes or gather basic ideas that you then explore with your original writing.

What constitutes a gray area in the use of AI in academic writing?

Gray areas include using AI tools to generate outlines, drafts, or detailed ideas that closely inform your work. In these cases, citation or acknowledgment of the AI's role may be necessary, depending on how much of your final work is influenced by the AI-generated content.

What actions are classified as blatant cheating with AI in academia?

Blatant cheating involves copying entire paragraphs or essays generated by AI and submitting them as your own work. This act of academic dishonesty misrepresents AI-generated content as original student writing.

How does the academic community view the use of tools like spell checks or Grammarly?

The academic community generally accepts the use of tools like spell checks or Grammarly as legitimate aids in writing. These tools are not considered cheating because they assist in correcting grammar or spelling without generating original content.

Can the use of AI for generating outlines be considered cheating?

Using AI to generate outlines can enter a gray area depending on how detailed the outline is and how much it influences the final work. If the AI-generated outline significantly shapes the content, citing the AI's contribution may be required.

Why must students be clear and honest about their use of AI tools in their academic work?

Clarity and honesty are essential to avoid accusations of plagiarism and to maintain the integrity of academic work. By being transparent about the use of AI tools, students uphold academic standards and contribute authentically to the field of study.

What are the potential consequences of academic dishonesty involving AI in college?

Consequences can include permanent notation on a student's academic record, suspension from the university, and jeopardized future opportunities such as medical school applications. Academic dishonesty is taken seriously and can have lasting impacts on a student's career.

How does the video presenter view the future potential of AI tools in academia and beyond?

The presenter is optimistic about the future of AI tools, suggesting they will find many transformative uses that enhance productivity, leisure, and possibly contribute to societal benefits like universal basic income. However, cheating in college papers is explicitly not endorsed.