How to use generative artificial intelligence in the classroom
The University has partnered with Microsoft to give you free access to 鈥� a secure generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool that uses GPT-4 to generate text responses and DALL-E 3 to generate images.听
While Copilot is available to you as a learning tool, it's important to know that you can only use generative AI tools, including Copilot, if your unit coordinator has expressly permitted the entire class to use them.
If you are permitted to use generative AI in your unit, you must ensure you use it responsibly and safely, correctly acknowledge the tools you used and how, and ensure your use is in line with our Academic Integrity Policy 2022.
Learn more about how to access Microsoft Copilot, how it works and how to use it responsibly and ethically on the聽.听
How to use Copilot securely聽
Use 'protected' mode聽
It鈥檚 important that you always to ensure you鈥檙e using the University鈥檚 鈥榩rotected鈥� version of the tool. To make sure you're in the correct mode, locate聽the University of Sydney logo in the top left corner and a green 鈥淧rotected鈥� badge next to the sign-in credentials in the top right corner of your browser.
Using Copilot in the protected mode means your inputs are confidential, anonymised and not stored or used for training purposes, so the risk of confidential information leaking is reduced.听
Do not enter personal or sensitive information聽
While using Copilot in protected mode mitigates the risk of confidential information leaking, you should still never enter personal, proprietary or sensitive information into Copilot or any generative AI tool. Examples of personal and sensitive information include:聽
- your full name, birth date, residential address, identifying numbers or passwords聽
- health information聽
- copyright materials, such as the Library's eResources and the University's proprietary teaching resources
Rules for using generative AI in assessments聽
You cannot use generative AI tools, such as Copilot and ChatGPT, for assessments, unless your unit coordinator has expressly permitted the entire class to use them.
If you are permitted to use generative AI in your assessment and you choose to use a tool like Copilot, your use must be clearly explained and acknowledged with your submission of the assessments. For more information on how to acknowledge generative AI in assessments, refer to the on the AI in Education Canvas site.
It鈥檚 important to note that different units and assessments will have different rules, so ensure you check the assessment instructions to ensure that you follow the requirements. If you鈥檙e unsure, check with your unit coordinator or tutor.
Other considerations
- Never submit AI-generated text as your own.听Always acknowledge any AI tools used in completing assessments and ensure you follow the specific instructions for the particular unit or assessment.
- Be cautious about the accuracy of generative AI outputs.听AI-generated content may include false information and reflect biases from the training data.
- You are responsible for the work you submit.听You must independently verify and edit AI-generated content to ensure its integrity, accuracy, and suitability. Your work should always reflect your own values.
- Develop your writing and communication skills.听Use AI to enhance your communication skills, not replace them. Don鈥檛 let generative AI prevent you from developing the important writing and communication skills you need in order to succeed at and beyond University.听
Learn more about using AI聽
, a Canvas module designed and developed by University students, is an excellent resource to help you understand how to use generative AI.听
From using generative AI to help you聽plan study sessions to breaking down topics and concepts, the AI in Education resource demonstrates that learning with AI can be both fun and valuable.听
The Library also offers聽, an online workshop led by Peer Learning Advisors that takes you through the basics of generative AI and Microsoft Copilot.听