Academic Integrity: Using AI tools for assignments

Can I use AI tools for my assignments?

AI technology is developing all the time and there is now a wealth of choice in AI-assisted tools that can help with assessments.

The short answer to the above question is sometimes, because it depends what you are using the tools for.

You may be required to use AI tools as part of an assignment, but if their use is not specified, in order to decide if you are able to use them, you need to be aware of what is appropriate use, and what the issues might be if you do use them, particularly for generative AI (GenAI) tools.

Quick links

What is generative AI (GenAI)?

Generative artificial intelligence is a creative tool that will form written or visual content. The content is generated when the user gives the tool written prompts.

Popular GenAI include ChatGPT, Google Gemini (formerly Google Bard) and Microsoft Copilot (formerly Bingchat) for written content, and Midjourney and DALL-E for image generation.

Risks of using AI tool for assignments

For more information about the potential harms of generative AI, see this post from the Office of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor.

Appropriate and inappropriate use of AI tools

AI tools that are safe to use for assignments

There are several tools that are great for research projects, including literature and systematic reviews. Below is a summary of what they do and you can find out more by watching the videos on the right-hand side of the page.