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Using AI at EvCC

Using Generative AI

What is it currently good for?

Idea generation
Outlines and lists
Surface-level feedback on pieces of writing
Ideas on how to structure a piece of writing

What is it not currently good for?

Math & Science
Citations
Fact-checking
Research

Important things to consider before using Generative AI

Always check the course syllabus for the generative AI policy.
If you don’t see a generative AI policy or have questions about the parameters for using AI in a class, always ask your instructor.
Some instructors may incorporate generative AI into class assignments, if you are uncomfortable using generative AI or have questions about where to start, reach out to your instructor.
If you instructor allows generative AI, follow how they want to you to cite or acknowledge usage.
An instructor allowing or disallowing the use of generative AI in a class, may have to do with the field of study. For example, nursing classes may not allow the use of AI because they want you to know the skills and concepts thoroughly without the use of technology. Computer Science classes on the other hand may use it without restriction.
Every instructor, class, and field is different. When in doubt, ask!

Your Why

It is import to consider why you are thinking about using these tools? Do you need support? Are your taking the edge off of your workload? Are you focusing on getting a certain grade rather than building your skills and learning?

If you are not allowed to use GenAI in your class, there are other available resources that might be helpful:

Assignment clarification/general support: Your instructor. Find the best way to contact them in your course syllabus.
Research: The Library. EvCC Librarians can help locate resources in print and online, narrow down your topic, and cite your sources.
Tutoring Support: The Tutoring Center. You can access tutoring services in person or over Zoom.
Writing Support: The Writing Center. Get writing feedback and support in person or over Zoom.
Technology Support: eLearning can offer support with Canvas and other educational technology. Technology Services can offer support with campus logins, campus hardware and software, student email, etc.
Disability Services: The Center for Disability Services (CDS)office provides a variety of accommodations for students with disabilities and academic barriers.

Privacy & Data

It may be unlawful to enter material using the chat function of a GenAI app if the material is protected by laws, such as:

privacy laws
intellectual property laws
otherwise confidential (e.g., a court order) (Durham College)

Most GenAI apps use the information we input to further train their technology, and may reproduce what we enter for other users. It is important not to enter any information into GenAI tools that you would not want others to have access to.

From: “Talking to Students about Generative AI”Links to an external site.by Jen Easter and Paula Demacio

Citing AI

There is some disagreement over how to cite the use GenAI, specifically Large Language Models since LLMs are not a human source. If your instructor allows the usage of AI in your class, they will let you know if and how they would like it cited in your work. The APA, MLA, and Chicago style have all issued initial guidance on how to cite GenAI but acknowledge that their recommendations may change over time. To keep up to date with the latest information, you can access the citation information in the EvCC library's Citation Style Guides.

Some instructors may ask you to in addition to/instead of citing GenAI use, describe how you used it and how it informed your writing process, etc.

Misinformation & Bias

It is crucial to remember that Large Language Models (LLMs) are trained on everything publicly available on the internet. Not everything on the internet is true or accurate so LLMs can present information as fact when it isn't. Sometimes LLMs even present nonsensical information in a way that sounds true and reasonable. This is called an AI hallucination. Bias can also come into play with LLMs. LLMs might generate information from one perspective, exclude information, or present stereotypical, racist, sexist, or homophobic information. This is why it is crucial that we challenge and fact-check what AI is presenting us with.

Sources & Resources:

MIT: When AI Gets It Wrong: Addressing AI Hallucinations and Bias

Prompts

Prompt writing can take practice. Being specific as to what you want the format and tone to be and who your audience is will help you get better outputs from GenAI.

Resources for GenAI Prompt Writing:

Getting started with prompts for text-based Generative AI tools

Copyright

ChatGPT and other Generative AI use material taken from the internet, generally without the permission of the authors. It has been argued that ChatGPT is "copyright laundering" -- "making works derivative of existing material without breaking copyright". In December 2023 the NYTimes sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement.

From: “Talking to Students about Generative AI”Links to an external site.by Jen Easter and Paula Demacio

The Future

Always changing/evolving
The future of Generative AI is largely speculative at this point.
Many companies are integrating Generative AI into their products or creating their own.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions around the ethics and regulation of generative AI.
People that have skill and experience with Generative AI may become more in demand for employment.
Many people including AI scholars are divided on the future of AI and what is means for humanity.

Mckinsey & Company- What is the future of AI? in charts

Forbes- The Future Of Artificial Intelligence: Predictions And Trends

Inside Higher- Computing Pioneers Profoundly Disagree on AI Risk

Electronic Privacy Information Center- The State of State AI Laws: 2023

Academic Integrity

GenAI is still very new, and we are all navigating it together. This is why it is important that you are checking what your instructor allows in their course and communicating with them when you are unsure. The Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook states (page 20):

WAC 132E-122-160 Prohibited Student Conduct

(3) Academic dishonesty. Any act of academic dishonesty including, but not limited to:

Cheating including, but not limited to, intentional use or attempted use of unauthorized material, information, or study aids, misrepresentation of invention or any information such as falsifying research, inventing or exaggerating data, or listing incorrect or fictitious references.
Plagiarism including, but not limited to, presenting or submitting another person’s, entity’s, and/or sources’ ideas, words, or other works in an instructional course without assigning proper credit.
Unauthorized collaboration including, but not limited to, intentionally sharing or working together in an academic exercise when such actions are not approved by the course instructor.
Academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, presenting or submitting in an instructional course either information that is known to be false (while concealing that falsity) or work that is substantially the same as the previously submitted in another course (without the current instructor’s approval).

If you have any question or concerns, about Academic Dishonesty, please reach out to Student Life.

Examples of GenAI Tools

Google Gemini (LLM)
ChatGPT (LLM)
Perplexity (LLM)
Dall-E (images)
Midjourney (images)
AI Dungeon (LLM)
AIVA (sound)
Autodraw (images)
Claude (LLM)
Wordtune (LLM)
Instagram AI stickers (images)
Grammerly (LLM)
Jasper (LLM)
Github Co-Pilot (code)
Lensa (images)
Synthesia (video)
QuillBot (LLM)
Stable Diffusion (images)

AI that doesn't require a login:

Bing chat (LLM)
Byte by Code Breaker (LLM)