Have you ever felt like you were cheating when using GenAI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot 365? You’re not alone, I’ve heard this a lot recently, but let’s unpack why this might not be the case.
Traditionally when I start a new piece of work, particularly when it is something I have never done before I often start by asking colleagues: Has anyone done one of these before? Can I see it please?
I might then move onto looking internally for helpful resources, background information or similar pieces of work, and then often move onto the internet. I Google for insights and helpful resources; I might look for research papers, templates or ideas.
Like most of us, I would then spend some time reflecting on what I have so far, identifying any further gaps we want to explore and where to find the information we need.
Once I have everything I can find, I’ll go through a process and curate all the information into my desired output, and generally consider that a task well done.
Isn’t using GenAI just an extension of these tools and techniques, albeit more efficient?
So, my question is how does collaboration with others and using all the resources we now see as legitimate (the internet, research papers, colleagues work/advice) to do the best work we can, differ from utilising GenAI tools?
Yes, GenAI tools have their weaknesses, such as bias and hallucinations but all outputs should be reviewed before using them. Just as we review and refine information sourced from the internet or peers, we should apply the same critical approach to outputs generated by GenAI.
I collaborate with colleagues because I value their knowledge creativity, empathy, problem solving skills and ethical judgement. Gen AI can also help with knowledge and problem solving, but also offers speed, scalability and data analysis capabilities that are very different to those from my colleagues.
Combining the strengths of humans and GenAI maximises the capabilities of each and mitigates the weaknesses of both. It creates a symbiotic relationship where technological efficiency is balanced with human insight, creativity, and ethical judgment.
Collaborating with GenAI has steadily improved my writing skills. Writing doesn’t come naturally to me, especially with my background in business, management, and finance, where my writing tended to be dry and consist only of reports. Over the past 12 months, I’ve used GenAI to make my writing more engaging, and I believe it has significantly improved.
This collaboration hasn’t altered the substance of my work, but it has transformed how I present it, making it more accessible and enhancing its impact.
We need to think about what we need to put in place to make this new collaboration effective.
You might find these suggestions helpful:
- Follow institutional guidelines on appropriate use of GenAI
- Attend any institutional GenAI training available
- Read our Generative AI primer
- Review all GenAI outputs before integration
Implementing some control measures can help maintain the quality and integrity of your work while utilising the benefits of GenAI.
Let’s redefine our relationship with GenAI—not as a crutch or a shortcut, but as a powerful tool we can use in our quest for quality and innovation.
Find out more by visiting our Artificial Intelligence page to view publications and resources, join us for events and discover what AI has to offer through our range of interactive online demos.
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Get in touch with the team directly at AI@jisc.ac.uk