Introduction
Making the Decision
Avoiding overreliance
Checklist before using GenAI as part of your academic work

Introduction

While GenAI tools can occasionally support study and learning, they also have significant limitations, including:

- Knowledge gaps – Many GenAI models do not incorporate recent developments or are restricted from providing certain information. As these systems are not fully transparent, users may be unaware of these gaps.
- Data bias – GenAI models reflect the biases present in their training data, which may include stereotypes related to race, gender, and other social factors.
- Misinterpretation and lack of context – GenAI may misinterpret prompts, generate misleading responses, or provide information without the necessary context, potentially leading to misunderstandings.

Additionally, unless used with explicit permission and in accordance with institutional guidelines, the use of GenAI tools can have serious consequences. At University College Cork, unauthorised or unacknowledged use of GenAI constitutes academic misconduct.

Despite these challenges, GenAI tools are becoming increasingly integrated into various fields and will continue to be part of academic and professional environments. Therefore, it is essential to develop ethical and responsible GenAI usage practices, beginning with the fundamental decision of whether to use these tools at all.

This section will guide you through the process of determining whether GenAI is appropriate for your specific needs.

Making the decision

Consider the type of work before using generative AI

Before utilising GenAI, it is essential to evaluate the nature of the task and whether AI is appropriate, useful, and permitted.

Creative work
GenAI can aid in tasks such as brainstorming, designing visuals, and generating initial drafts. However, it is crucial to ensure that the final output aligns with your specific needs rather than simply accepting what GenAI produces. Thoughtful planning and clear objectives are necessary before engaging with AI tools to maintain control over the creative process.

Academic study
GenAI can assist with summarising complex topics, practicing languages, and reinforcing knowledge through Q&A-style prompts. However, excessive reliance on AI may lead to inaccuracies or hinder personal comprehension. For example, summarising a reading assignment independently demonstrates understanding, whereas relying on AI to do so may prevent meaningful engagement with the material. While GenAI can be a valuable study aid, critical thinking and active learning remain essential to effectively integrate its outputs.

Productivity tasks
GenAI is good at automating repetitive tasks, drafting standardised communications, and identifying patterns in data. However, to maximize its effectiveness, it is important to first clarify your goals and objectives. This ensures that AI-generated content aligns with your intended message and can be refined accordingly.

Regardless of the task, careful consideration should be given to the appropriateness and effectiveness of GenAI in each scenario. The decision to use GenAI should be guided by an understanding of its capabilities, potential limitations, and institutional guidelines. The flowchart below outlines key questions to consider before deciding whether to integrate AI into your workflow.

Avoiding overreliance

Balancing the Use of GenAI in Academic Work

Once you have decided whether or not to use GenAI—and for the purposes of this discussion, we assume you have chosen to use it—it is essential to avoid overreliance. While GenAI may appear highly effective across a wide range of tasks, it is not infallible and should not replace critical thinking and originality. To ensure meaningful engagement with AI tools, consider the following best practices:

- Critically evaluate AI-generated content – Assess the accuracy, depth, and relevance of the information provided.
- Integrate AI-generated insights with your own knowledge and ideas – GenAI should supplement, not replace, independent thought and creativity.

As academic pressures increase, particularly as assignment deadlines and final exams approach, turning to AI for assistance may seem like an obvious choice. While AI can offer short-term convenience, excessive dependence on it can undermine long-term academic growth. This is particularly concerning for major assignments such as final-year projects (FYPs), which require well-developed research, analysis, and writing skills. Striking a balance between using GenAI as a support tool and avoiding its overuse is crucial.

Learning as Training: The Marathon & Gym Analogies

Marathon: Success in a marathon comes from consistent training, not last-minute effort. Similarly, each assignment builds skills essential for major projects like final-year dissertations. Skipping assignments weakens this foundation.

Gym: Just as muscles grow through regular exercise, intellectual abilities strengthen with every academic challenge. Relying on GenAI too much weakens long-term skill development.

Before you use GenAI as part of an assignment, review this checklist to make sure that you are following each point in order to maintain academic integrity and the quality of your work:

Checklist before using GenAI as part of your academic work:
Are you authorised to use GenAI?
Is the tool adding value to your work?
Have you verified the output with trusted sources?
Is the content appropriate for the task?
Did you avoid inputting sensitive and copyrighted information/data?
Are you still learning what you need to?
Have you cited all GenAI contributions?

Checklist before using GenAI as part of your academic work - Word version.docx

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Copyright © GenAI LEARN project team, University College Cork.