Generative AI (GenAI) is software that can generate new content including text, images and audio, based on a set of data. Examples of GenAI tools include Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT and Perplexity AI.

Charles Sturt provides students 18 years and older with browser and app access to the secure enterprise version of Microsoft Copilot. For details on how to access the secure version of Copilot and tips on effective use navigate to the Copilot page of this guide.

Learn more about Generative AI at Charles Sturt:

If your subject coordinator allows the use of Generative AI tools, these platforms may be able to help you find information by identifying keywords, developing search strategies, providing summaries of articles or suggesting resources. However, you will need to check resources for validity by consulting reliable sources such as scholarly articles, books and reputable websites which can be found using Primo Search and library databases.

You should always ensure that the tools you have chosen are approved by your subject coordinator, appropriate and align with the goals of the assessment.

Referencing generative AI tools has been incorporated into the Charles Sturt's APA Referencing Summary and Academic Referencing Tool (ART). The Academic Skills team provide assistance with referencing. You can make an appointment or ask a question on their Academic Skills Forum.

Check references found by AI

Information generated by AI may be unreliable or fake. See if citations are legitimate by checking:

• If the journal or book title exists in Primo or TROVE
• If the volume issue number and dates correspond
• If the page numbers and article or chapter title correspond

If yes to all of the above, then the reference might be useful, but before you use or cite any source you should read it and evaluate the information yourself using the CRAP test.  

For more information read Matthew Hillier's article on TECHE blog; Why does ChatGPT generate fake references?

Acknowledging use of AI tools

When acknowledging use of GenAI, include the tool, how it was used and the prompts used. Here are some examples:

For more examples see the For research page in this guide and Using AI tools at university: Presenting outputs created with AI.

 Knowing how to use GAITs ethically, legally, safely, and critically is vital. Here are key points to consider:

• Academic integrity & assessments: At Charles Sturt University, do not use AI-generated content for assessments unless explicitly allowed in the subject outline. Confirm with lecturers to avoid academic misconduct (Student Misconduct Rule 2020)

• Plagiarism and citing AI content: Always cite and attribute AI-generated information. Check citation formats with lecturers or Academic Skills.

• Inaccurate content and critical evaluation: Apply critical thinking and the CRAP test to assess AI-generated information. Do not rely on it as the only source. Seek help from lecturers and librarians to find scholarly materials.

• Intellectual property and copyright: AI content may include copyrighted materials. Using these without permission breaches copyright laws. Be aware of the impact on Indigenous knowledge practices.

• Privacy concerns and sensitive Information: Do not share sensitive or personal information with AI. Be cautious when using GAITs for research data analysis, as prompts may be recycled or retrieved by others.