Using AI in your studies at AUT

Al is changing how we learn, research and work – and at AUT, we want you to get the most out of it.

Here's what you need to know to use Al well, stay academically sound, and ensure your work reflects your learning.

First things first: Can I use AI in my studies?

Short answer: Yes. You can use AI in assessments that aren't completed in invigilated or controlled conditions (where you're supervised or outside help isn't allowed). Your teaching staff will let you know where you're not allowed to use AI. You won't be permitted to use AI in most examinations, tests, performances or observed practical demonstrations.

In all other assessments and in postgraduate research you may use AI to assist your learning but as part of your work you'll need to show your learning (or research) process.

How do I use AI properly?

If you use AI in your university work you need to:

• Use AI tools critically and responsibly – AI is a tool to assist you, not to outsource your learning
• Ensure that the work you submit genuinely reflects your understanding.

Where can I learn more?

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. AUT can help you to understand how to use AI to help you and keep strong academic integrity principles.

Whether you’re working on coursework or research, these Canvas modules are a great place to start.

How can AI support my assessments?

When you’re preparing or revising an assessment, AI could help you:

Jude's story – checking a group assignment

Why this works:

• Jude only used AI to spot small errors in their own writing
• They used AI's explanations to learn more about academic writing
• They made the improvements themselves

Priya's story – a creative assessment, first-year communication studies

Why this works:

• Priya’s class discussed the use of AI in the set assessment
• Her portfolio documents her learning process and her interaction with AI, not just her final answer
• She used AI as a starting point, then made the critical decisions

Can I use AI to research my assignments?

If you use AI tools to help you find information for your assessments, remember that they're generating content based on whatever prompts you've given. Like when you search with Google and research databases, you need to check AI-generated content for:

• Relevance to your topic
• Accuracy (AI doesn’t know if what it generates is correct)
• Bias (AI presents 'average' responses to prompts, tending to privilege certain views and ignore others)

How do I reference my AI use?

Find out how to reference correctly:

• Gen AI at AUT (Canvas module)
• APA
• Chicago
• Harvard

Not sure how to reference or acknowledge your use of AI? Check with your lecturer.

Build practical AI skills with the AUT library

The AUT library runs workshops on using AI in your studies – covering how to find and check information, get better results from your research and understand where AI can get it wrong.

Library workshops include:

• Find Information with Gen AI
• Spot the Fake – Evaluate your GenAI results
• Responsible Use of AI in Research (for postgraduate students)
• Copilot Writing Lab – Using GenAI for Discussion Sessions (for postgraduate students)
• Copilot Writing Lab – Using GenAI for Research Significance (for postgraduate students)

LIBRARY WORKSHOPS