Checklist: Am I ready to use genAI?

Before you use generative AI (genAI), first consider your purpose for using it and how it will benefit your learning. Ensure that you are aware of the genAI’s capabilities, how to use it ethically, and some of the associated risks with using it.

The following checklist is for Deakin coursework students.

My learning

1. Am I allowed to use genAI in this unit, and how am I allowed to use it? Check my unit site instructions or ask my unit chair.

2. What are the capabilities of the tool and what are the requirements of my assessment? Is it the best tool for the job? Do I need to use genAI at all? Be clear on your purpose and the benefits.

3. Do I have a strategy for developing effective and iterative prompts? Quality output is dependent on quality prompts.

4. Is this tool saving me time or is it a distraction from my main task? Is it possible I am over-relying on genAI?

5. Am I using genAI actively, selectively, critically? How can I use genAI in a way that helps me to develop skills in critical thinking and writing?

6. Am I using genAI to explore and engage with discipline knowledges in new and creative ways that enhance my learning by:
   – focusing on the learning experience and new creative and critical processes?
   – working through obstacles, frustrations and mistakes as learning opportunities?

7. Have I reached out to my teaching staff, Study Support or the Library for further support in how to best use genAI?

Risks and limitations

1. Am I aware of the risks and limitations of using genAI?

2. Have I critically evaluated any generated output? Have I cross-checked any claims? Have I drawn on multiple credible sources?

3. Are there any risks to privacy or breaching copyright in my use of genAI?

Academic integrity

1. Am I acting with academic integrity in my use of genAI?

2. Have I followed my unit site instructions?

3. Have I appropriately acknowledged my use genAI in my assessment and provided details of how I have used it?

4. If I have directly used generated output in assessment, have I cited it where required? First check with my unit chair if it is appropriate to cite.