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Generative AI: A Student's Guide

Learn best practices for using generative artificial intelligence tools

Introduction

Using Generative AI in your coursework and studies

Generative AI (GenAI) can benefit your academic and research efforts, but for its effective and ethical use, you need to understand how it works and its limitations. This guide provides a basic introduction to GenAI, with a focus on text-based AI chatbots.

How text-based AI chatbots work

Text-based AI chatbots, like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, are advanced text generators trained on internet data. When you ask a question or give a task, the chatbot analyzes your words, interprets your request, and generates a response based on learned patterns. It's like your phone’s predictive text but much more sophisticated. While these chatbots don’t "understand" like humans, they excel at predicting responses based on examples they've seen.

How do I know if I can use GenAI for my course or assignment?

OHSU doesn’t have a university-wide policy on using GenAI in coursework, so each instructor sets their own guidelines. Check your course syllabus for your instructor’s policy, and contact them if it's not mentioned. The best time to talk with your instructor is before you begin your assignment to avoid needing to start over if generative AI isn't allowed.

Ask your instructor:

  • What level of GenAI use is accepted in this class?
  • Can you provide examples of what is allowed and what isn’t?
  • Do we need to acknowledge the use of these tools? If so, how?

It's also important to understand and follow OHSU’s guidance on GenAINever input Protected Health Information (PHI), FERPA-protected student data, OHSU health data, research data, practice plans, or other restricted or private/sensitive information.

Comparing available tools

Many GenAI tools are already available, and the landscape is evolving quickly. Some tools are free, while others charge for premium features or limit usage before requiring payment. We recommend exploring the free options and comparing features before committing to a paid subscription.

Privacy and GenAI

In addition to following OHSU’s guidance on GenAI, and never entering PHI or other restricted or private/sensitive information, it is important to protect your own privacy. GenAI tools can collect data with and without your knowledge, including your location and web activities. Once entered, your information may be stored indefinitely, with no way to delete it.

Tips to protect your privacy:

  • Even if it doesn't fall under OHSU policy, avoid sharing personal or sensitive information, such as job application details and research plans.
  • Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
  • Regularly review and adjust privacy settings: some tools allow you to customize your settings by turning off data sharing or other options.
  • Be aware of each tool's data retention policies.

Bottom line: If you don't want others to see something, or for information to be incorporated into future GenAI output, don't enter it.

Bias and accuracy

GenAI tools are often trained on biased data, reflecting issues like racism and sexism, and may underrepresent diverse perspectives. As a result, they can produce responses that are factually incorrect, biased, or both. Factually incorrect information is simply wrong, while biased information presents a skewed perspective based on incomplete or prejudiced data.

By following these tips, you can better navigate and mitigate the biases and inaccuracies in GenAI responses:

  • Craft Unbiased Questions: Before you ask a question using GenAI, think carefully about how you frame it. Make sure your question is neutral and doesn’t include inherent biases. See "Writing effective prompts" for more structured advice.
  • Verify with Reliable Sources: Cross-check the information provided by GenAI with your class notes, textbooks, and other trusted resources. Review any links produced. See "How can I fact-check the information that ChatGPT and other language models give me?" from University of Arizona.
  • Check for Reliable Citations: GenAI tools can misidentify citations or reference non-existent sources. Always verify information across multiple reliable sources and create a list of potential gaps in the AI’s response. As St. John Fisher University puts it, "Use generative AI to find ideas. Use the library to find sources."
  • Identify Missing Perspectives: Evaluate the information to see if it excludes any important perspectives. Understanding different viewpoints can help you get a more comprehensive view of a topic. See "Bias in AI" from Chapman University.
  • Consult Librarians: Librarians are excellent resources for finding reliable and credible information. If you’re unsure about the accuracy or bias of information, ask a librarian for help.
  • Stay Updated on AI Tools: Keep up with the latest developments and updates in GenAI technology. Understanding how these tools evolve will help you use them more effectively. See "Staying current" for resources.

Acknowledging GenAI use

Remember to check with your instructor first. Some instructors might not allow any use of GenAI and others might allow only limited use. Your instructor may also ask for the prompts that you used or the full transcript of your interaction.

If you are allowed to use GenAI, check the current guidance for the relevant citation style:

Some uses don't fit standard citation models. It's worth reading more general advice for acknowledging AI use beyond citing in reference lists: