Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Guidance for students
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of technology to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as extracting meaning, problem-solving, applying information from past experience and decision-making.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) refers to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create new content (e.g. text, images, music, audio, videos).
Examples of Generative AI tools which are widely available include (this is not a comprehensive list):
- Co-pilot (integrated into LU Microsoft applications)
- Chat GPT
- Gemini (Google AI)
- DALL.E (image generation)
- GitHub Copilot
Using GenAI responsibly: what you need to know
If using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in your studies, it's important to understand what responsible use looks like. The GenAI Responsible Use Checklist below outlines the key expectations for using these tools ethically and appropriately in your academic work where their use is permitted in the assessment brief.
The checklist is included at the start of the Academic Integrity quiz to raise awareness of good scholarly practice. You will be expected to complete the quiz and checklist at the beginning of each academic year.
To help you make sense of the checklist, a companion resource linked below, 'Generative AI at Loughborough University' explains the terms and concepts it includes—like bias, accuracy, data privacy, and proper referencing—so you know exactly what you're agreeing to and how to stay within university guidelines.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Responsible Use Checklist
If I use GenAI in my studies, including the submission of GenAI created content in an assessment, I confirm that:
- I understand the risks and limitations of using GenAI, including a recognition of issues of bias, sensitivity, accuracy, appropriate content, and ethical issues
- I will carefully consider the GenAI tool(s) that I use and how they may share any data that I input
- I will not enter any personally identifiable or commercially sensitive data into a GenAI tool
- I will ensure that I have fully complied with the requirements in the assessment brief setting out how GenAI may or may not be used.
- I will appropriately reference the use of GenAI tools in my work
- I will save copies of any GenAI outputs used in the development work for my assessment. I understand that these outputs may be required as an appendix to my assessment or as part of any academic misconduct process
- I will seek help from my module tutors if I am unsure about the use of GenAI in specific assessments
- I will seek help from my Academic Librarian if I need general guidance on GenAI use.