---

Generative artificial intelligence: dos and don'ts

 

The new University guidance (printable version) shows you what you can, shouldn't and mustn't do when it comes to generative AI (GenAI).

The left, green column indicates good practice using GenAI; the central, orange column describes practice that can result in a poor mark or fail while the right, red column indicates usage that can be academic misconduct. Remember, it is essential that you acknowledge any use of GenAI in your assessments and that you understand how to incorporate it into your studies effectively.

	You can :)	You shouldn't	You mustn't :(
Idea generation	You can use it to brainstorm and develop your own ideas, with acknowledgement.	You shouldn’t use it to replace your own ideas.	You mustn’t represent GenAI ideas as your own.
Planning your work	You can generate suggested structure/ideas, based on your assessment brief, while critiquing the results yourself.	You shouldn’t use the suggested structure without question.	You mustn’t use GenAI in your work, without acknowledging it.
Finding sources	You can perform initial scoping searches, using GenAI, to identify keywords and concepts. Then use academic and library tools for your literature search.	You shouldn’t rely partly or totally on sources generated by GenAI tools or use irrelevant sources.	You mustn’t use sources without reading them, incorporate references that do not exist, or generate reference lists with GenAI for materials you have not read.
Summarising	You can summarise readings with GenAI, so you can decide if they are relevant, and then read the original sources yourself.	You shouldn’t rely on generated summaries which may be inaccurate. Don’t use GenAI to synthesise multiple sources for comparisons.	You mustn’t rely on AI-generated summaries and syntheses, submit AI summaries as your own work or submit work you do not understand.
Translating	You can use it to translate source texts or video, always checking that the translation is accurate.	You shouldn’t assume the translation is 100% accurate.	You mustn’t translate other people’s work and submit it as your own. If English is not your first language, don't write an assignment in another language and translate it into English.
Editing and proofreading	You can use academic writing tools to check the spelling, grammar and readability of your work.	You shouldn’t rely on academic writing tools to re-word your work.	You mustn’t submit work that has been changed so much through GenAI that it changes the meaning and content, and/or that you can no longer understand and explain.
Generating feedback	You can use GenAI to provide feedback on drafts of your work, alongside the guidance you receive from University of Worcester staff. (Always check the terms of use and privacy policy for the tool you are using).	You shouldn’t rely on GenAI feedback on your work – remember to consider the requirements of your assessment.	You mustn’t accept GenAI feedback uncritically, without referring to assessment briefs or learning outcomes.
Generating images	You can use AI image generation for a written assignment or presentation, to create a unique image to illustrate a point or enhance a presentation, and acknowledge the tool you have used.	You shouldn’t use an image without checking it for accuracy as GenAI can generate errors / inconsistencies.	You mustn’t use a generated image without acknowledgement or where the assignment requires you to create the image yourself.
Analysing data	You can use GenAI (if permitted for your assessment) to analyse data and identify patterns in non-sensitive data, but remember that it has limitations, in terms of analysis and potential bias.	You shouldn’t use GenAI for data analysis without verifying the results. Remember that GenAI-generated outputs are not neutral and often biased.	You mustn’t use GenAI to fabricate data, or to analyse data where it is not permitted for your assessment.  You mustn’t put personal or sensitive information into GenAI. This is especially important for emails, records, or any personal information. Use of such information could lead to privacy issues and security risks. For professional courses, this would also be a fitness to practise issue.
Testing your knowledge	You can use GenAI to complement revision strategies, e.g. explain concepts and generate quizzes to test your knowledge.	You shouldn’t rely only on GenAI to generate revision notes and materials, as you will learn less.	You mustn’t assume that GenAI will generate accurate revision materials – always check it.

 

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human thought processes by computers. AI has been around for a while. It powers the predictive text on your phone, spell checks your Word document or recommends items for your online shop. AI can be a useful tool. 

Generative AI (GenAI) is a more recent development. With your prompts, tools like ChatGPT and Gemini can process large amounts of data and create content. However, it is important to use these tools effectively and ethically, and to recognise their limitations. GenAI cannot think or create anything original. Those skills are up to you. 

 

 

Is GenAI ethical?

GenAI like ChatGPT and deepfake tools raises ethical issues: 

• Misinformation: GenAI can create realistic but false content, spreading misinformation 
• Privacy: GenAI often requires vast amounts of personal data, risking privacy violations and data misuse 
• Intellectual Property(IP): GenAI can use copyrighted works and infringe on IP. 
• Carbon Emissions: Training and running AI models consume significant energy, which has an environmental impact. 

 

 

 

Do I have to pay? 

Many AI tools are free, but an increasing number require payment and quality and availability can be variable. You should not be required to subscribe to an AI tool as part of your course. 

 

 

Further information

For more information see: 

Evaluating sources: what about AI? 

Acknowledging and referencing GenAI 

Finding sources: Creating good GenAI prompts