INFORMATION FOR
This page includes resource for students to provide ways in using generative artificial intelligence productively and responsibly.
If, after confirming that a course syllabus permits the use of generative AI for academic coursework, students choose to use such tools, they are responsible for the final content submitted for credit. Therefore, students must:
Faculty guidance in their course syllabus guides what is considered (in)appropriate in a course. Using AI in a way that is not explicitly authorized by the professor in the syllabus is considered inappropriate use. The university's Academic Integrity Policy informs any consequences for the misuse of AI technology in academic coursework. See the Academic Integrity Policy at https://www.wpunj.edu/cte/wpu-policies/ for more information.
Referencing generative AI tools in academic work is becoming increasingly important as students use AI for research, writing, and idea generation. If you plan to use generative AI tools for course assignments, academic projects, or any published writing, it is suggested to properly acknowledge and cite the AI-generated content. Always check with your instructor before incorporating AI into your coursework to ensure you are following the appropriate guidelines.
Source: https://library.trinity.wa.edu.au/Referencing/GenAI
Examples
When prompted with “Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that although the two brain hemispheres are somewhat specialized, “the notation that people can be characterized as ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’ is considered to be an oversimplification and a popular myth” (OpenAI, 2023).
Reference
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Do not treat the AI as an author; MLA is reserving that for human authors.
Source: Sample ChatGPT citation in MLA style (Content by: Abigail Colucci and Kari D. Weaver. Design by: Alisha Ali and Stefaniada Voichita) https://www.choice360.org/libtech-insight/how-should-you-cite-generative-ai-and-chatgpt/
Paraphrased in Your Prose While the green light in The Great Gatsby might be said to chiefly symbolize four main things: optimism, the unattainability of the American dream, greed, and covetousness (“Describe the symbolism”), arguably the most important—the one that ties all four themes together—is greed.
Works-Cited-List Entry“Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald” prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.
Quoted in Your Prose When asked to describe the symbolism of the green light in The Great Gatsby, ChatGPT provided a summary about optimism, the unattainability of the American dream, greed, and covetousness. However, when further prompted to cite the source on which that summary was based, it noted that it lacked “the ability to conduct research or cite sources independently” but that it could “provide a list of scholarly sources related to the symbolism of the green light in The Great Gatsby” (“In 200 words”).
Works-Cited-List Entry“In 200 words, describe the symbolism of the green light in The Great Gatsby” follow-up prompt to list sources. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 9 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.
Quoting Creative Textual Works
Fig. 1. “Pointillist painting of a sheep in a sunny field of blue flowers” prompt, DALL-E, version 2, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, labs.openai.com/.
If you ask a generative AI tool to create a work, like a poem, how you cite it will depend on whether you assign a title to it. Let’s say, for example, you ask ChatGPT to write a villanelle titled “The Sunflower” that—you guessed it!—describes a sunflower and then quote it in your text. Your works-cited-list entry might look like this: “The Sunflower” villanelle about a sunflower. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat. If you did not title the work, incorporate part of or all of the first line into the description of the work in the Title of Source element: “Upon the shore . . .” Shakespearean sonnet about seeing the ocean. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.
Source: https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/
You will need to credit ChatGPT and similar tools whenever you use the text that they generate in your own work. But for most types of writing, you can simply acknowledge the AI tool in your text (e.g., “The following recipe for pizza dough was generated by ChatGPT”).
A numbered footnote or endnote1. Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, March 7, 2023, https://chat.openai.com/chat.
Not included in the text1. ChatGPT, response to “Explain how to make pizza dough from common household ingredients,” OpenAI, March 7, 2023.
Using author-date instead of notes“(ChatGPT, March 7, 2023).”
Source: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/qanda/data/faq/topics/Documentation/faq0422.html
Strategies for Better Results with Generative AI Tools
Writing an effective prompt is key to unlocking the full potential of generative AI. It's more than just creating a prompt - it's about using a range of skills and techniques to guide the AI toward the best possible results.
5 Tips for Crafting Effective Prompts
Components of an Effective Prompt
Prompt Example* [as an expert in data scientist at ABC College] + [to propose the possible impact on use of AI at department level] + [explain the pros and cons of adopting AI platform in academic department] + [in table format with 2-3 paragraphs under 300 words] + [using friendly and encouraging tone]
[Context & Role] + [Specific Goal] + [Task & Instructions] + [Output Format] + [Style & Tone]
* Adapted from Student Guide to AI Generative Tools, The University of Utah, https://cte.utah.edu/instructor-education/gen_ai_2024.pdf
Prompt Fornula*
There are many generative AI tools available. Some are free, some need you to create an account for, and some are subscription-based. Here are some of the most common and relevant tools for students.
