AI technology in academic work at FSV UK

Advances in tools using artificial intelligence (AI) technology create enormous potential for societal benefit and will have a major impact on the field of education as well. AI technology can be used to solve complex problems, increase the efficiency of teaching and research, and create new opportunities for innovation.

Discussions about the possibilities and challenges of using AI in teaching have been going on at FSV UK for some time at various levels. Their results suggest that AI can significantly contribute to the quality of teaching and the further development of academic work. However, there is also a need to clearly communicate the principles and limitations that arise from the use of AI technology for academic work. All related issues and potential risks – legislative, ethical, security and other – need to be carefully considered.

Since our intention to (co)operate with AI is unquestionable, we therefore asked one of the generative AI tools, the ChatGPT application, about dealing with the use of AI in the academy.

Question:

How can university students use AI in their studies so that they do not violate academic integrity, but can take full advantage of AI services?

Answer:

ChatGPT and other AIs can be useful tools for university students, but it is important to use them in accordance with academic integrity and ethical standards. The following are some ways students can use ChatGPT and similar tools without compromising academic integrity:

1. Use ChatGPT to inspire and generate new ideas, but do not copy verbatim the texts or ideas that ChatGPT generates. If you use anything from ChatGPT in your work, please credit the source and source information.
2. Use ChatGPT to improve your writing, but always verify the truth and accuracy of the information you use. Don't rely on ChatGPT as a final solution, but rather as a tool that can help you solve complex problems.
3. Use ChatGPT to gain new perspectives and ideas, but always ensure that your work is original and brings something new to the field. Do not use ChatGPT as a source of ready-made solutions or as a means of reducing the effort you would otherwise have to expend.
4. Always ensure that your work cites properly and that all literature and sources used are listed. If you use ChatGPT as a source of information or inspiration, please indicate this in the citations and bibliography.

The use of artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT can help students develop their ideas and improve their work, but it is important to use it with an awareness of ethical and academic standards. Always ensure that your work is original, accurate and properly cited and transparent - whether you use ChatGPT or other sources (OpenAI. ChatGPT – answer to author’s question dated 1 March 2023). 

So much for AI's opinion on academic use of itself.

On behalf of the faculty management, we add that the use of AI tools to improve study and work results in accordance with the ChatGPT proposal can really bring the desired social benefit. However, as with all other aspects of professional academic work, the condition is respect for ethical standards and principles of academic integrity. At their core is the obligation to clearly separate the results of one's own work from the use of other resources -⁠ including those based on artificial intelligence. Simply put, passing off text generated by e.g. ChatGPT as your own work is not permissible and such behavior may lead to disciplinary action.

FSV UK will continue to support all initiatives of lecturers in the introduction of AI tools in teaching and its involvement in work with students. Likewise, faculty will respect students' creative and transparent use of AI-generated text, visual material, code, or video in their academic work, as long as the above standards are met.

We would like to emphasize that even though we want to start using this technology as soon as possible, it is necessary to allocate enough time to find answers to all questions and necessary measures. We will work closely with AI experts and take into account the latest knowledge and practices to make our work in this field safe, efficient and successful.

We will keep you informed about our progress and results, and we look forward to further joint work in this area.

FSV UK