Quiz #3

Online Learning Tools Questions

1: Could I be responsible for an academic honesty violation if I access ‘study materials’ on websites likes Quizlet or Chegg?

2: If I have already written my essay, is it OK for me to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly to make it better or check for grammar?

3: If I use and cite a generative AI tool and clearly indicate my usage of AI, it should be okay to use it for my assignments, right?

4: I use a generative AI tool read and summarize the assigned readings and/or recorded lectures for me. This should be OK since I am not using it produce any actual work that I’m handing in, right?

5: I wrote my assignments in another language and used an online translating tool to translate words and phrases to English to help me complete the writing assignment. The writing is still my own original ideas so it is OK right?

6: I used a translator to translate my assignments into my native language to better understand the terms and tasks, this should be allowed since I’m still doing my own work right?

7: I suspect a member of my group for a collaborative project used generative AI on a portion of our assignment. Could I be found responsible for a violation?

8: I have an open internet exam in one of my classes, does this mean I can use online AI tools like ChatGPT during the exam?

Answer Key

1: Most likely, yes. Accessing information from websites that encourage sharing of course materials, like Chegg, would likely violate the Academic Honesty Policy (see ‘unauthorized aid’). The source of the information one accesses on these websites can be difficult or even impossible to locate (and the content may have been uploaded without consent of its authors). Additionally, uploading content to sites such as Chegg may count as unauthorized sharing of materials (see ‘Unauthorized Recording, Distribution or Publication of Course‐Related Materials’ in the Violations section). Overall, using these websites is very risky and choosing to do so may conflict with both the Academic Honesty Policy and course learning outcomes in your courses.

2: It depends. You should always check with the instructor’s specific expectations and policies when it comes to their specific course and specific assignments. If the instructor has outlined expectations around generative AI tools, usage should follow their specific instructions. If the assignment instructions and course policies had no mention of AI tools, you should not assume that these tools are allowed. Even when these tools are used to help writers improve their grammar, it may interfere with authorship. The Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program offers trained online and in-person tutors who can help you with all aspects of your writing, including grammar.

3: It depends. Not all instructors allow use of AI in their courses— check first. Fully citing is an important step when accessing any outside tool/information, and you should refer to your instructor to ensure you fully know their expectations when it comes to citations for their course. If you use AI on any aspect of an assignment, you should declare it. It is important to remember that instructors may not allow use of generative AI tools in their course work, so it is important to check with them before accessing these tools.

4: Generally, no. You should check with your individual instructors first. Unless otherwise stated by the instructor, it’s safe to assume that using AI tools in this way is not allowed. It is especially important to ask your instructor before uploading their course lectures/content to these tools, as doing so without permission could violate the academic honesty. Moreover, these tools might not always be reliable and may produce information or content that results in an unintentional violation, for which you would be held responsible.

5: Most likely, no. Anytime you are handing in work that is not your own without citing the source, it runs the risk of being an academic honesty violation. In this case, while it is your own original idea, the final assignment being handed in is not necessarily your own words because it is processed by another source, namely the translator. Moreover, information is lost in the translation process which can impact a writer’s authorship and meaning. The Writing & Speaking Center has trained tutors who can support you in written and oral communication.

6: It depends. It will be important to consult with the instructor first. It is possible that your instructor will not allow use translators in their course if they have concerns about how the tools may interfere with your ability to learn and demonstrate the outcomes for the course.

7: Yes. Unless your groupmate used generative AI in ways that your instructor allows, your group could be found responsible for a violation. In addition to referring to specific guidance from your instructor pertaining to AI guidance, it is also important to also make sure you are taking steps to maintain ownership of your work. This means making sure you and your groupmates are actively collaborating on all components of the assignment.

8: Most likely, no. Unless the instructor explicitly states that a specific AI tool is allowed on their exam, you should assume the tool is not allowed. Different instructors may have different rules for open exams. Check the syllabus and exam instructions for what specific resources are allowed for the exam. If it is not clear from the syllabus and instructions whether or not AI tools are allowed, ask your instructor first.