Using ChatGPT and other AI tools for your TAFE studies can be helpful in many ways, but always remember though that they are only that - a tool - they should be an aid to your work, not a replacement for it. Taking shortcuts may seem like you are saving on time, but it can prevent you from fully understanding and learning important information. If you have a feeling that something is not right, or that you might be skipping important steps, trust your instincts. Take the time to fully comprehend and learn a concept rather than rushing through it.
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Academic integrity means being honest and ethical in your academic work - doing your own work, not copying from others, giving credit to the sources you used in your work and following rules and guidelines set by TAFE SA in its Academic Integrity policy - and these rules still apply when you are using AI.
Here are some ways you can use ChatGPT appropriately for your TAFE studies while adhering to the rules of academic integrity:
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- Research assistance
Use ChatGPT to gather information on a specific topic related to your coursework
BUT verify any information obtained from ChatGPT with reputable academic sources. ChatGPT has been known to fabricate references! Use it as a supplementary resource rather than the sole source of information.
- Clarify concepts
Use ChatGPT to clarify complex concepts or ask for simplified explanations. It can quickly summarise content and may helpfully pick up on themes that you didn't notice or understand
BUT cross-check the explanations provided by ChatGPT with your course materials or textbooks or by asking your lecturer. Use it as a supplementary tool to enhance your understanding, NOT as a substitute for actually doing the reading! Copying and pasting from AI or other paraphrasing tools contravenes academic integrity requirements - knowing how to summarise and paraphrase information is a key skill in study and in your future career.
- Language and writing assistance
Ask for suggestions for improving the language, structure, or clarity of your written work
BUT ensure that your final work is still in your own words - it has to reflect your understanding and original ideas, not ChatGPT's.
- Practice questions and answers
To test your learning, you can try asking ChatGPT to generate practice questions or exercises for your topic
BUT treat these as practice only - if you ask AI to solve a problem you've been asked to solve yourself, and you submit this as your own work, this is cheating. And as always, check answers from ChatGPT with verified sources.
- Stay updated on industry trends
Ask ChatGPT about recent developments in your field of study
BUT treat the information obtained as a starting point for further research only - ESPECIALLY if it is for an assignment. Again, always verify the latest industry trends by checking against reputable sources or asking your lecturer.
Avoiding plagiarism
It is important that you remember to
- Correctly acknowledge where you have used AI to help you with understanding terms and concepts
- This may mean that you will need a reference list and a bibliography if you use AI
- Refer to the LEARN course on Academic Integrity for help
TAFE SA is using plagiarism checking tools to keep track with AI capabilities and where students are using AI to shortcut their work. To avoid accidentally plagiarising, it is a good idea to use software like Microsoft Editor, Turnitin or Grammarly to check your work for similarities to other sources.
When you are unsure, speak with your educator or course coordinator as they are best placed to advise you on how to use AI in your learning. Connect with the Library to assist you with referencing and fact checking. Refer to the TAFE SA Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures for guidance.
