ChatGPT and Generative AI in Assessment, Teaching and Learning
This information was last updated in March 2024.
The University of Newcastle is embracing the benefits that AI can offer students in their educational journeys but are conscious of the need to use AI ethically in line with our principles of conduct.
With a particular focus on assessment and academic integrity, but also considering innovative opportunities for use of artificial intelligence across all aspects of teaching and learning, the University is working to develop and refine our approach. We want to ensure that that students are equipped to take advantage of the opportunities presented by current and future artificial intelligence tools, and that this is done ethically and in a way that is consistent with the University’s Academic Integrity principles.
Through the Artificial Intelligence Working Group, a subcommittee of the Teaching and Learning Committee, and in consultation with the broader University community, we will continue to evolve our position and develop an appropriate institutional action plan. This work will be done with due consideration of our student’s educational experiences, the likely future needs of our graduates, the capacity and expertise of our staff, our regulatory requirements, and investigation into best practice from across the sector.
It is important that all staff, especially course coordinators, discuss their expectations with students regarding use of AI tools in their course. To assist Course Coordinators in these conversations, we have developed these slides which articulate the University’s overarching position. Staff should also review AI in Assessment - Communicating Your Expectations for guidance on discussing the use of AI in assessments with students.
In particular, students must be aware that:
- It’s critical that any work submitted for assessment is the student’s own original work. Students must adhere to the expectations set by their Course Coordinator regarding use of AI tools in the development of any work to be submitted.
- A student’s assessment is their own responsibility, so they should critically consider everything they submit.
- Acknowledgement, as always, is key. If students follow the above points and submit a pre-approved assessment using an AI tool, they should acknowledge this contribution clearly in your work. This is the same as any other citation or acknowledgement of source.
- Misuse of AI tools may be considered a breach of the University's Student Conduct Rule and could result in disciplinary action.
- From January 2024, Artificial intelligence detection software may be used to review any work that students submit. If students have used AI in any way other than has been expressly permitted by their course coordinator, they may be engaging in academic misconduct and be subject to penalties. Unlike Turnitin's text matching functionality, results from AI detection software are not visible to students. More information is available on the staff Academic Integrity page and via the Artifical Intelligence SharePoint site.
The information and resources contained in the following pages are intended to support teaching staff and will continue to develop over time as this work progresses.
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| Using AI in your teaching | Communicating with students | Artificial Intelligence, Assessment and Academic Integrity |
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| Artificial Intelligence Working Group | Frequently Asked Questions for Staff |
Further Reading
Visit the Artificial Intelligence Working Group SharePoint page for additional resources.
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