As ChatGPT and other generative AI-tools become more common it becomes important that users engage with them critically, ethically, and effectively. Using generative AI-tools to produce even parts of a writing project may not appropriate or acceptable for all settings. Make sure you understand the ethical considerations before using these tools in a given setting, whether professional or academic. You can check our AI and Academic Honesty page for more guidance about using AI at college.

If you are allowed to use generative AI (ChatGPT, etc.), note how your instructor wants you to acknowledge the assistance of the tool. Be prepared to  be transparent about how you use these tools— save transcripts, make a note of your prompts, the date the response was generated, and how you use the output. Even if you only used it to generate keywords, choose a topic, plan/outline a paper, or generate ideas, your instructor may want details. Be sure you are prepared to offer them.  

For Olympic College students, individual instructors determine if there are appropriate uses for AI tools in an assignment. Unauthorized assistance is a violation of the Student Conduct Code, so make sure the use of generative AI is authorized. If you are permitted to use generative AI-tools, be prepared to acknowledge their use as indicated by your instructor. 

With the authorization of your instructor, here are some possible uses of generative AI for writing—

• Prompt the model for definitions or topic summaries
  • You can ask that the summaries be intended for varying audiences; language learners, younger students. etc.
• Prompt the model for keywords or concepts related to a topic, brainstorm and get creatively unstuck. 
• Prompt the model to narrow or broaden a topic scope.
• Craft a prompt to create a mind map or topic outline (see "Crafting Effective Prompts")
• Use the model as a simulation application to develop and practice skills.
• Use generated text as a learning tool for inspiration or guidance.
• Input your own work as part of the prompt to ask for grammar corrections, or style changes. Ask for suggestions.

Reading suggestions—

• Prompt the model to explain concepts at multiple difficulty levels
• Prompt the model to summarizing long texts