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.
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:
It's also important to understand and follow OHSU’s guidance on GenAI. Never input Protected Health Information (PHI), FERPA-protected student data, OHSU health data, research data, practice plans, or other restricted or private/sensitive information.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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: