An in-text citation of your use of GenAI:
(name of company, year)
I.E. (OpenAI, 2024) OR OpenAI (2024)
The Reference List entry should look like this:
Company. Year. Name of Generative AI (Version number if known). [Generative AI]. [Date accessed]. Available from: URL of specific output if available.
Example:
OpenAI. 2024. ChatGPT (GPT-3.5). [Generative AI]. [Accessed 12 March 2024]. Available from: https://chat.openai.com/share/771e3e48-78a3-4c5f-9083-d179149040b3
When using GenAI, especially now in what is a transitory stage in which many people, lecturers included, are not in agreement about how much it should be allowed to be used on assignments and in academic settings in general, it is of the utmost importance that you are transparent with how you are using it. First and foremost, and we will say this over and over, check with your lecturer on how you are allowed to use it on your assignment. For assignments in which you can use GenAI, it is essential you are transparent in your use. What do we mean by this? Detail how you are using GenAI by having a Statement on GenAI use and including an appendix list of all the prompts you used when doing work on the assignment.
An example of how this can be structured is as follows:
I acknowledge the use of [insert AI system(s) and link] to [specific use of GenAI].
The prompts used include [list of prompts].
The output from these prompts was used to [explain use].
(This model statement was created by University College Cork staff and can be accessed here.)
Include an appendix entry that includes your prompts. This can be done using ChatGPT by simply asking it to create an appendix list entry of all the prompts you using during your session. The following appendix entry was created using ChatGPT.
Every chance you get, save the conversations you've had with ChatGPT. This is the ultimate way to make sure that you are covering your bases. If you ask your lecturer whether you are using ChatGPT or any other GenAI service correctly, showing them your transcript can be massively helpful. Further, if you are following directions and do everything your lecturer asked, saving the transcript can help you demonstrate how you used GenAI to inform your learning and that you have a positive work ethic when using it in your work. When there is so much uncertainty in academic institutions on when and how students should be engaging with GenAI technologies, you as a student have to do everything you can to be as transparent as possible. The fact of the matter is that this technology is here to stay and is going to become widespread, so learning to use it well now is an important learning opportunity. So, take the steps to make sure you cover all your bases, are transparent as possible, and communicate clearly with your lecturers throughout your academic endeavours.
