Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are becoming part of everyday life and study. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, getting feedback on your writing or breaking down a tricky concept, AI can be a useful study tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key is using AI responsibly in a way that supports your learning, meets your assessment requirements and demonstrates academic integrity<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some simple habits to help you get the most out of AI while studying at La Trobe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before using any AI tool in your assessments, check what level of AI use is expected. Some assessments don\u2019t allow AI at all, while others encourage it for planning, drafting or collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every assessment task has an AI level. The AI Assessment Scale shows how much AI use is appropriate for each task, from Level 1 (no AI \u2013 supervised assessment only) to Level 5 (full creative AI collaboration). You\u2019ll find your assessment\u2019s AI level on your subject’s Assignment Task Sheet or LMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re unsure, ask your subject coordinator before you start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AI works best when it’s helping you learn, not doing the learning for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might use AI to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good question to ask yourself is “Am I using AI to support my thinking or replace it?”. If AI is doing all the thinking, you’re probably not getting the most out of the learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AI can sound confident, even when it’s wrong. It might include incorrect facts, misunderstand a source, invent references or leave out important context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always double-check information before you use it in your study. If AI points you towards a journal article or source, read the original rather than relying on the summary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your critical thinking will always be your most valuable study tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to learn more? The Library’s Artificial Intelligence guide<\/a> has practical tips for evaluating AI-generated information and building your AI literacy. The\u00a0SIFT method<\/a>\u00a0is one useful strategy for evaluating the credibility and accuracy of AI-generated content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like any online tool, it’s important to think about what information you’re sharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid uploading personal information, someone else’s work, confidential placement or workplace information and unpublished research or sensitive data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re using Microsoft Copilot with your La Trobe account, you’ll be using the University’s protected environment. Public AI tools may handle your information differently, so it’s worth understanding how the tool stores and uses your data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AI can help you improve your work, but your assignment should still sound like you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of copying AI responses, use them as a starting point. Question the suggestions, rewrite ideas in your own words and make sure your final submission reflects your own understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, you’re being assessed on what you’ve learned \u2013 not what AI can produce. Using AI responsibly is part of maintaining academic integrity. Be honest about how you’ve used AI and follow your assessment’s requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your assessment allows AI, save your prompts and outputs as you work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Acknowledging\u00a0when and how you use\u00a0AI is now part of\u00a0submitting\u00a0your\u00a0assessments.\u00a0For each unsupervised assessment\u00a0task,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0be asked to complete a short acknowledgement about how you used AI. This helps to promote transparent AI use and build good habits, rather than monitoring how you use AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping a record makes it much easier to complete your AI acknowledgement if required and helps you reflect on how AI supported your learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Check what’s allowed before you start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Use AI to support your thinking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3. Don’t assume AI is always right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Think before you upload<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Keep your own voice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Maintain a record of how you used AI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n