ChatGPT and other AI tools: Using ChatGPT in Your Coursework

Is using it cheating? What about plagiarism?

ChatGPT is an app created by a for-profit company called OpenAI. It was initially free but now has a subscription component. Other AI tools are Google Bard, Microsoft Bing AI and many more. Since there are many ways to use ChatGPT and other tools -- the answer on whether using it is cheating is it DEPENDS.

Although there are not (yet) new policies about its use per se -- using (e.g. copy/paste) texts or code that is created by ChatGPT, for example, is covered under the CSUSB's Academic Dishonesty Policy and Procedures.

Plagiarism is defined in the Conduct Code as Plagiarism, "representing the words, creative work, or ideas of another person as one’s own without providing proper documentation of source." Some students might point out that "words" created by a tool like ChatGPT aren't a "person" -- these arguments miss the intent of the policy. The bottom line is YOUR INSTRUCTOR will determine whether it is a violation of academic dishonesty. If you aren't sure, ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR for clarity.

When should I "cite" ChatGPT as a source?

• If you are doing research ABOUT ChatGPT or other tools and using it as the topic and want to include examples -- then yes, you should cite it like any other source or evidence (e.g., in APA or MLA style). If you are using it to help analyze texts or as a tool, include information on how you are using it in your assignment.
• If you are using ChatGPT to help with background research, create outlines, select keywords, etc. -- you should likely check with your instructor about their class policies.
• In general -- don't use Chat GPT as a "source" of information because it is often wrong or mixes correct and incorrect information. It isn't (yet) considered a credible source for academic research and writing.

Where can I get questions answered?

• Check with your instructor - they are the best person to give you advice in how you can or can't use it in your classes.
• CSUSB does not yet have an official policy regarding the use of generative AI (GenAI)  in courses. It is the prerogative of individual instructors to create their own policies that align with their teaching philosophies and values.
• Check with your Program.
• Check your syllabus - here are samples of what it might say from the Faculty Center for Excellence:
  • Sample Syllabus Policy Statements

ChatGPT and other LLMs continue to evolve.

One main way users interact with ChatGPT is to ask it a question, or give it a prompt and receive a quick answer.

How do they work? 
Unlike a search engine, which searches and then gives results using information already created -- Large Language Models (LLMs) are making "new" content predicting the word most likely to come next (e.g. based on HUGE dataset -- publicly available Internet sites (which includes racist, conspiracy sites, etc.) as of ~2022). They are designed to model human language and use mathematical models to predict what the next word is most likely to be based on what you you are asking for. Keep in mind -- they don't think. They do NOT understand, read, choose or give you the "best information." Sometimes it might feel or seem like it but it is but this isn't how the technology works. 

Challenges of using ChatGPT or other LLMs 

• There is a mix of correct and incorrect information
• Has limited knowledge of the world after 2020 (WHOA! Things have happened since then, right?)
• Likelihood of biased content is high - especially for controversial topics.
• Privacy concerns -- what is the company doing with the data it collects from users?
• Beware of asking for any information that would have big consequences if it was incorrect (such as health, financial, legal advice, and so on). It has a tendency to make up answers or give a mix of correct and incorrect information, but still sound very confident.

Benefits of using ChatGPT or other LLMs 

• Can provide simple explanations to well known, non-controversial topics
• Can provide sample text
• Can create a list of keywords, search terms
• Explaining information in ways that are easy to understand
• Helping write or debug computing code
• Summarizing and outlining texts

What are Prompts? Prompt engineering? 

Prompts are the things you write into the tool to try to get it to do what you want. Better prompts can help you to try to get better outputs. These tools need very specific instructions, and they need you to verify/critically evaluate the information or output they give you. Learn more about prompts or a course like Prompt Engineering for Chat GPT.