Generative Artificial Intelligence

When using generative AI for your assignment, considering the following:

1. Check with your professor
• Be sure you are allowed to use generative AI in your course so that you do not violate the Academic Integrity Policy
• If allowed to use generative AI, ensure you are clear on how and when to cite generative AI and the ways in which you may use the tool for your assignment for research, brainstorming, formatting, etc.
2. Cross-reference the information from the Generative AI
• Use the SIFT method to evaluate the information found
• Compare the output with other sources and visit the sources cited by the generative AI
• Find additional resources so as not to rely on only one viewpoint
• Be aware that citations from generative AI tools may be fake – be sure to check each one for validity
3. Consider the environmental impact
• Training generative AI consumes vast amounts of energy (estimated as the same amount used to power 120 average U.S. homes for a year (Zewe, 2025))
• Data centres that sustain generative AI demand huge amounts of electricity, usually from fossil fuels
• Using generative AI consumes more electricity than a simple web search, estimated at 5 times more (Zewe, 2025)
4. Ensure you are not violating privacy or copyright rules
• Any information you enter into the generative AI can form part of its publicly available content it uses for training; you should avoid inputting personal information about yourself or others
• Anything you input can be used to train the Large Language Model and you could be violating copyright if inputting the work of others, such as journal articles, exams, etc.
5. Cite any info you use
• Cite any information provided by the generative AI tool used in your assignment, just as you would cite other sources
• Disclose when and how you used the generative AI tool by including the tool used, purpose, and prompt – see the Library’s APA Guide for more info

Adapted from “Student Guide to generative AI” from Center for Engaged Pedagogy and "Generative AI: Using Generative AI at Barnard" from Instructional Media & Technology Services, Barnard College.

Reference
Zewe, A. (2025, January 17). Explained: Generative AI’s environmental impact. MIT News. https://news.mit.edu/2025/explained-generative-ai-environmental-impact-0117

It's important to note that the information provided here serves as a general guide. Generative AI might not be allowed in your courses or assignments. If your instructor offers specific guidelines that differ from the information presented here, it's crucial to adhere to your instructor's directives.