College Writing: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI tools can be useful in both academic and professional applications.

• "PreSearch" ~ AI as an Information Source 
  • Get some basic background information:
    • concepts & definitions
    • terminology & keywords
  • Similar to doing a general web search or using Wikipedia.
  • Use before you research in the library and other academically appropriate resources.
     
• Writing assistance
  • Writer's block
  • Grammar and punctuation
  • Proofreading
  • Generating citations
  • Plagiarism checking
     
• Learning & Study Tool
  • Explain concepts
  • Provide examples of a topic
  • Brainstorm & generate ideas
  • Summarize research & information
  • Create flashcards & practice questions
     
• Technical applications
  • Calculations
  • Data analysis
  • Transcription or speech to text
  • Language translation
  • Create templates
     
• Business & Industry
  • eCommerce
  • Customer Service
  • Supply Chain & Inventory Management
  • Market Analysis & Revenue Forecasting
  • Task Automation

AI can be a powerful tool if used ethically and appropriately.

• Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity
  • Fairness & Transparency ~ Ethical use of any source or tool means having the right to use it and disclose that you have used it. 
  • ​Plagiarism ~ Using work that is not your own without acknowledgment and with the intent to present it as your own, is a form of Academic Dishonesty.  
  • These are violations of academic standards according to the CIA Policy on Academic Honesty:
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Using AI as a source or to assist in the completion of any course work without the consent of faculty.
    • Plagiarism: Copying from any source without giving credit; using original ideas, recipes, or research without giving credit; or working from another source without giving credit.
       
• Appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence
  • In most cases, you will not use the content from an AI tool in your final assignment, paper, or project.
    • You will use the AI tools to help prepare or develop your own original work.
  • Think critically and explain how you have used it in your work.
  • Fact Check ~ Information from AI may be wrong and you will need to confirm its accuracy in other sources.
    • AI usually does not cite sources, so you cannot evaluate the reliability of the resources used to get the information.
  • Beware of Bias ~ AI draws from a wide range of human-created content and may reproduce stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.
     
• Citing AI Tools
  • Check with your instructor about how you should acknowledge AI tools in your coursework.
  • Use a standard format for citing AI:
    • MLA citation style
    • APA citation style
       
• Ask Questions
  • Use CIACares to ask for help or to make an appointment with a tutor.
  • Contact Sonia Lisboa-Ochoa, the Reference Librarian, or make an appointment.

ALWAYS check with your instructor if it is acceptable to use Artificial Intelligence tools in the course.