Can students use ChatGPT and other AI tools at Lakehead?

FAQ about Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT and other Generative AI Tools, click here:

 Checklist for Appropriate AI Use:

  1. STOP before using ChatGPT or any AI tools
  2. LOOK closely at your course outline, syllabus & assignment descriptions
  3. ASK each instructor for clarification about AI usage
  4. FOLLOW THE CODE at all times
  5. THINK CRITICALLY about how you use AI (if permitted)
    1. Verify Information
      • AI generated outputs can contain inaccurate and erroneous information
      • It is safest to rely on information and course materials provided by your instructor, rather than an AI tool
    2. Check References 
      • Generative AI tools often cite non-existent, fabricated sources
    3. Cite Quality Sources
      • Not all sources are equal
      • Use findings from peer-reviewed publications and trusted experts
      • Cite your sources properly using appropriate citation style (APA, MLA etc.)
    4. Beware of Bias
      • Training data and the algorithms behind the AI can have embedded bias (sexism, racism etc.)
    5. Question if it's Beneficial
      • Is it hurting or helping your learning?
      • AI usage can negatively impact the development of certain skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, understanding and memorization

Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT and Other Generative AI Tools FAQ

What is artificial intelligence or AI?

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly advancing branch of computer science that aims to create machines and computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence such as recognizing patterns in data, identification of images, making decisions and learning from experience. (BACK TO FAQ)

What is generative AI?

  • Generative artificial intelligence (Generative AI or GenAI) refers to a broad category of AI tools that use deep-learning models (human-like data processing) and large amounts of data from the internet to generate text, images and other content. 
  • There are countless generative AI tools available for public usage. Some of these AI tools serve as interactive and personalized search engines (e.g., ChatGPT, Bing etc.), some are able to generate writing, text or code (e.g., Jasper, Quillbot, etc.) and some generate images, art and video (e.g., DALL-E, Midjourney etc.). The number and types of these AI tools are growing rapidly. (BACK TO FAQ)

What is ChatGPT?

  • ChatGPT is a form of generative AI that uses large language modeling (LLM) and vast amounts of data from the internet to respond to user prompts in a way that mimics human interaction. In simple terms, it is a very advanced and powerful “chatbot". ChatGPT is currently the most popular AI chatbot within a new wave of emerging AI technology. (BACK TO FAQ)

Can AI threaten academic integrity? 

  • Yes. Generative AI tools are now at a point where they can produce high-quality outputs that are very complex. They also can be used to offload cognitive tasks that may actually be part of a course's learning objectives. Thus, care and diligence are needed when navigating the use of this new technology. If used inappropriately or dishonestly, the utilization of these tools could be considered cheating or plagiarism, and can threaten academic integrity. (BACK TO FAQ)

Can I use ChatGPT or AI Tools at Lakehead?

  • It depends. Ask each of your instructors. The use of AI tools will ultimately depend on the specific course, context, application and guidelines provided by your instructor. 
  • Before using AI tools, students should first stop to check the course outline, syllabus and specific assignment details to see if there is any guidance from the instructor. If there is not any direction provided, or if there is any uncertainty, ask your instructor. It's the student's responsibility to seek out clarification from the instructor (BACK TO FAQ)

What are my responsibilities as a student?

  • Lakehead University's Academic Integrity Code states that students are responsible for completing their own original work, documenting sources properly, collaborating appropriately and avoiding misrepresentation. Unauthorized or inappropriate usage of AI tools could lead to academic misconduct. (BACK TO FAQ)

What is inappropriate use of AI? (AI and Academic Misconduct)

  • Use of Unauthorized Materials
    • If a student uses an AI tool without permission, when instructed not to, or they use an AI tool outside of the permitted rules provided by their instructor, this would be considered Use of Unauthorized Materials (26b)*
  • Falsification
    • If a student uses an AI tool for academic work that was supposed to be completed independently, without any assistance and then presents it to the instructor as their own original work, this would be considered Falsification (26e)*
  • Plagiarism
    • If a student uses an AI tool to generate ideas/information for an assignment, but they fail to disclose or cite the original source(s) of the ideas/information, this would be considered Plagiarism (26a)*
    • *Refer to Section III of the Academic Integrity Code   (BACK TO FAQ)

Will my instructor know if I use ChatGPT or GenAI tools?

  • Students do get caught using generative AI tools in ways that violate Lakehead's Academic Integrity Code. When this happens, they must go through a formal academic integrity investigation and disciplinary measures are implemented. Even though AI-generated materials can be difficult to detect, students need to remember that their instructors are experts in their field. They can spot erroneous information, fabricated citations, odd text and inconsistencies in students work. (BACK TO FAQ)