GUIDE: Master GAI tools before the exams
Since the beginning of the semester, the use of GAI tools has generally been allowed for students during exams – unless the academic regulations or course description state otherwise. But do you know when and how to declare your use of GAI? And have you considered the ethical dilemmas of using GAI?
What is GAI?
GAI stands for generative artificial intelligence and is commonly known as chatbots that can generate responses based on the questions or tasks you provide them with. GAI technology is able to do this because it’s based on large language models that draw on existing text, patterns, or structures.
Useful links
Disclaimer: This text was translated using machine translation / AI and post-edited by Maria Nielsen Pedersen
With the winter semester’s exams, Bachelor's projects and Master's theses just around the corner, it’s important to understand the university’s rules and guidelines for using GAI (General Artificial Intelligence) in exams – if you plan to use it. Before you get completely absorbed in reviewing your syllabus and endless study notes, take some time to get familiar with these guidelines.
On Studypedia’s website, you’ll find tips and examples on how to use GAI for your studies and exams – including how to declare that you’ve used GAI. Keep in mind that these are just recommendations. The guidelines for using GAI during exams depend on the individual academic regulations and/or course description, which can make the rules, guidelines, and recommendations seem quite complex.
Go through the flowchart and see if you have mastered your use of GAI. Then, check out the section below, where the department of Educational Law addresses common questions about using GAI during exams.
The department of Educational Law is responsible for legal advice and the formulation of rules at Aarhus University. Here are their answers to some common scenarios regarding the use of GAI in exams:
I have used GAI in my coursework throughout the semester. For example, to organise my notes and summarise primary texts I haven't had time to read. I don’t plan to use GAI during the exam. Do I still have to declare it?
“If your notes were created using GAI, and you copy text from these notes directly into your exam paper, then you have used GAI during the exam and must declare it.”
I have an on-site examination where GAI is allowed. Do I have to bring a declaration and submit it with my exam paper?
“No, you don't have to submit a declaration when using GAI during an on-site examination.”
I have an exam where I have to produce a written take-home assignment and later defend it in an oral examination. GAI is allowed for the take-home assignment but not for the oral defence. Where and when should I submit my declaration if I used GAI for the take-home assignment?
“You have to submit the declaration as an appendix to the take-home assignment, so it must be submitted at the same time as your take-home assignment.”
I have used GAI in my general coursework throughout the semester, but GAI is not allowed during the exam. Does that mean I have already cheated before taking the exam?
“I understand the exam to be a written examination that takes place after classes end. No, you haven’t cheated just because you have used GAI in your general coursework. However, if you use GAI to create notes and then copy those notes word-for-word in your exam paper, then you have used GAI in the exam, even though it’s not allowed.”
I need to submit a declaration as I have used GAI in my exam paper. How precise does it have to be? Do I need to attach a search history with all my prompts?
“As a minimum, the declaration should include information that you have used GAI, which GAI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Bing, etc.) you have used, and how you have used them. To make it as precise as possible, we also recommend indicating where in your exam paper you have used these tools. If you want to make it easier for assessors to see how you have used GAI, you may want to attach a search history with your prompts, but this isn’t a requirement.”
I have used GAI as part of my literature search but I have chosen not to use any of it. Do I still have to declare it?
“No, you don’t have to declare it since you didn’t use any of the material in the actual exam paper. However, if you had used the found literature, you would have to declare it.”
Will my effort be considered less independent by my examiner because I have used GAI?
“No, it will not. However, you might want to reflect on how GAI has helped your understanding of the academic content. Such a reflection can actually highlight your independence.
However, it can matter if you use large text passages generated by GAI and cite them as direct quotes, similar to quoting large parts of a textbook. In this way, using GAI is no different from using text from textbooks, slides, and assignments.”