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AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to the development of computer programs that are trained on data to perform complex tasks automatically.
Generative AI (Gen. AI) is a subset of AI that refers to the programs that generate content automatically when prompted, . Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT are examples of AI programs that have been trained to perform text-based tasks including such interpretation, translation, and composition. Image generation tools such as Stable Diffusion and Imagine.Art are trained to refine, edit, stylise style or generate new images and video.
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How does it work?
AI is trained on large amounts of labelled data and uses neural networks to ‘learn’ and 'recognise' patterns in that labelled data. Then the technology is trained to identify and respond to similar patterns in new data. Generative AI also has the capability to create new content e.g. text, images or video.
Where do I find it?
In online tools such as ChatGPTChat-GPT, Otter, Google, Claude, Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, Dall-E, Krea, Imagine.art, Deepseek, Grammarly, in common software such as MS Word (co-pilot), MS Teams (transcription), Adobe Photoshop and Canva.
Can I use it?
Using Gen. AI has some great benefits but it also has a number of disadvantages. At Ulster University you can use AI if you use it critically, reasonably, sustainably, reasonably, transparently and securely.
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Using it critically
Gen. AI tools have the potential for bias and mistakes (note the extra finger in the AI generated image above). This is because humans make mistakes and they can be biassed (hold stereotypical views about groups of people such as those of other nationalities, race, religion or gender). As AI consists of code written by humans, trained on data created by humans and learns from its interaction with humans, there is plenty of room for error.
Gen. AI can also suffer from hallucinations, it doesn’t understand words or images, it just spots a pattern and tries replicating it, for instance the prompt ‘a woman playing a violin in the orchestra’ looks like this:
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Always critically assess the any content or analysis generated by AI, think of it as a source, and like any source you need to ask questions of it:
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Check your Module Handbook for guidance, if there is no specific guidance then the following rule of thumb can be applied:
Avoid using GenAI Gen. AI to create content for assessed coursework and research.
Do not use AI as a substitute for your own learning, critical thinking or problem-solving skills
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Planning the structure of written work e.g. creating an essay plan (ChatGPT)
Initial ideas or inspiration for a project e.g. sourcing images for a mood-board (Imagine.artArt)
Helping to improve writing skills e.g. suggestions for improvement in grammar or spelling (Grammarly)
Asking for a simplified explanation of complex text (Google Gemini)
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👉 Therefore if you are using Gen. AI you need to cite it as a source.
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Never input your own personal information.
Never use cloud-based AI to process personal research data e.g. online transcription tools to transcribe interviews.
Instead use your Ulster University MS Teams account to transcribe interviews.
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🔗 Useful Links
Ulster University’s Academic Misconduct Policy
Ulster University’s Generative AI policy for students
Citing AI Generative Tools in the Ulster Harvard Referencing style for LHS
Citing AI Generative Tools in the Ulster Harvard Referencing style for CEBE, AHSS and UUBS
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