Generative AI

If you have just started out at Western, complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) as soon as possible. This module will help you understand the importance of academic integrity in the university context and has a section on generative AI.

Otherwise, check out our Generative AI Module here. This module is based on the AIM but also provides more detail on generative AI that is useful for your studies and future career.

Western Sydney University encourages the appropriate use of generative AI. In some subjects, you may be asked to use generative AI as a tool, but it is restricted in some subjects and some assessment tasks.

Generative AI guidelines will be different for each assessment task. Read the generative AI statements in your Subject Outline for each new assessment task, check information on vUWS or check with your Subject Coordinator. Do not assume the advice is the same for every task, or every subject. It is your responsibility to read your Subject Outlines and check information on vUWS.

Check out our Generative AI Guide for example statements from Subject Outlines.

If you are using generative AI, make sure you are acknowledging it. This Library webpage explains how.

Where the use of generative AI is permitted, the following tools are available to students:

1. Microsoft Co-Pilot: open the Microsoft Edge Browser and go to https://copilot.microsoft.com/

Signing in with your student or staff ID enables commercial data protection. This means that your data may safer compared to other generative AI models. Even with commercial data protection, you should be careful to avoid entering personal informational or anything confidential.

Contact the IT Service Desk if you are having trouble logging in or try this alternative link instead: https://www.bing.com/chat

2. Adobe Firefly: Western Sydney University is NSW’s first Adobe Creative Campus meaning we have access to an amazing suite of Adobe tools. Adobe Firefly uses everyday language to create images with generative AI. Find out how to access Adobe Firefly at Western Sydney University here.

AI detection reports help staff to identify when AI writing tools maybe have been used. These reports are not available to students. This is a decision made by Turnitin and cannot be altered by the university.

Avoid using any online tools for AI Detection. These tools are not reliable and may put you at risk.

If you provide your details to access one of these tools you may be at risk of identity theft. If this happens to you, the University will support you. Contact Wellbeing Services on 1300 668 370 (option 5).

You may be asked to explain what you have written in your assessment or provide notes or an early draft of your assessment. On its own, this request is not an allegation of misconduct.

Check the ‘Referencing/Acknowledging generative AI ’ section of the generative AI module for current advice on acknowledging generative AI.

Check out the Library Guide on AI Tools in Academic Research for the range of databases available to you with generative AI features.

Grammarly has recently updated the free version of Grammarly. The free version of Grammarly now contains generative AI features. So where generative AI use is restricted in your subjects, tools to assist with spelling and grammar can be used only where these do not use generative AI. Learn how to turn off generative AI features in Grammarly here.

In short, the answer is no. In your assessments, you need to make sure you're learning and paraphrasing in your own words. Check Study Smart How-To Guides for Paraphrasing. Using AI to paraphrase text from an article and then pasting that paraphrased text in your assignment is NOT original or appropriate.

Unless given permission, in short, the answer is no. Relying on generative AI for translation into English negatively impacts on the learning process. Generative AI does not understand cultural and subject-specific nuances in writing, so you will find that the translations are not accurate and will negatively impact your work.

Our Study Smart Generative AI Guide gives you some ideas!

In short:

1. Learn by doing: take a trial-and-error approach to using generative AI tools.

2. Make sure you’re on LinkedIn: as a Western Sydney University student, you have access to LinkedIn Learning with a vast array of short videos to listen to.

3. Complete a self-paced course: many organisations like Google and Adobe provide short and free courses you can complete online to quickly upskill.

4. Read and be creative: think about the ‘human’ qualities you bring – this is how you stay relevant in a world with rapid technological change.

If you are confused about generative AI, always ask your Subject Coordinator or Tutor for advice, don’t just guess what you should be doing.

If you want to gain further skills in using generative AI, want to think more critically about generative AI, or need help with your referencing and writing capabilities, check out the Library’s workshops. Attending workshops is a great opportunity to gain new skills and make friends.

You can also receive one-to-one support from the Online Librarian team (for quick queries you may have) or receive one-to-one specialist advice with your research strategies and referencing from a Study Smart Librarian.