Artificial Intelligence (AI) is defined as, "the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings." Britannica Academic Edition
This article provides more details on AI:
"Artificial intelligence." Britannica Academic, Encyclopædia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2025. academic-eb-com.lehman.ezproxy.cuny.edu/levels/collegiate/article/artificial-intelligence/9711. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Learn more about Artificial Intelligence (AI) from the CREDO Database.
GENERATING IDEAS - generating ideas from ChatGPT means using the tool to brainstorm or develop new thoughts, topics, or approaches. By entering a prompt or question, students can explore possibilities, clarify their thinking, or expand on an initial concept. ChatGPT serves as a creative partner that supports idea development, not as a source of final answers.
Example
A student might use ChatGPT to brainstorm research topics for a paper, outline different ways to approach a project, or generate questions for a class discussion.
Use ChatGPT Responsibly
Treat ChatGPT as a starting point, not a final source.
Always verify information using reliable academic or library resources.
Acknowledge your use of AI tools if required by your instructor or citation style.
Keep your own voice and critical thinking at the center of your work.
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Example of citing text from ChatGPT: "Generating ideas from ChatGPT" ChatGPT, OpenAI, 31 Oct. 2025, https://chat.openai.com/
Note: ChatGPT is an AI tool that generates text based on prompts. When you use or quote information from ChatGPT, always acknowledge the source and verify the information with credible materials such as books, academic articles, or official websites.
NIU Library. “Generative AI Tools and Academic Honesty.” YouTube, 28 Oct. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idu4ilTlGEY
Pro: ChatGPT and AI Tools Can Be Helpful for Brainstorming & Clarifying Ideas
Con: Claiming the AI generated text as your own is dishonest. It can violate academic integrity policies and lead to consequences. (ChatGPT, 2025)
Solutions: Disclose your use of AI tools. (NIU Library, 2024) Cite the AI tool used (e.g., OpenAI, ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot, Google Gemini) as the source, not the individual sources the AI may have used. (Google, 2025). Cite anything you have paraphrased or directly quoted.
HALLUCINATIONS
AI Tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot are a type of large language model (LLM) which uses prompts to generate text. When you enter a prompt to generate text a hallucination may be generated. The hallucination is generated when the AI tool doesn't have an answer and creates a probable answer that is incorrect. This is a reason why generated information from an AI Tool needs to be verified for accuracy.
ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot are Text Generators not Search Engines. A Text Generator, generates text after a prompt or question is entered and can generate "hallucinated" information which is when fact-checking is needed. Search Engines like Google or Bing can help you find factual information, websites, links and data from original sources which can be verified.
Solutions: Ask your Professor for help. Ask a librarian who can teach you how to find information through OneSearch.
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Example of citing text from ChatGPT: "Hallucinations from ChatGPT" ChatGPT, OpenAI, 31 Oct. 2025, https://chat.openai.com/
Note: ChatGPT is an AI tool that generates text based on prompts. When you use or quote information from ChatGPT, always acknowledge the source and verify the information with credible materials such as books, academic articles, or official websites.
NIU Library. “Generative AI Tools and Academic Honesty.” YouTube, 28 Oct. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idu4ilTlGEY
BIASES - AI tools like ChatGPT are trained on large collections of text from the internet and other sources. Because this data reflects human perspectives and social patterns, it can also include biases, stereotypes, or unequal representation. As a result, responses from ChatGPT may unintentionally reflect these biases.
NIU Library. “Generative AI Tools and Academic Honesty.” YouTube, 28 Oct. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idu4ilTlGEY
Examples of Bias
Overrepresentation of certain cultural or historical viewpoints.
Gender or racial stereotypes appearing in examples or suggestions.
Inaccurate assumptions about social, political, or economic issues.
How to Use Responsibly
Be aware that AI tools can reflect bias — always evaluate the tone and content critically.
Cross-check information using scholarly or verified library resources.
If using AI-generated ideas, rephrase or adapt them in your own words and confirm their accuracy.
Use ChatGPT to support your thinking, not to replace critical analysis or independent judgment.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
AI tools like ChatGPT require significant computing power to train and operate. This process uses large amounts of energy and water to cool data centers, contributing to the environmental impact of artificial intelligence technologies.
Key Points
Energy Use: Training and running large AI models consume vast amounts of electricity.
Water Consumption: Data centers often use water for cooling systems to prevent overheating.
Carbon Footprint: The energy used in AI processing can result in high carbon emissions, depending on how the electricity is generated.
How to Use Responsibly
Use AI tools purposefully—avoid unnecessary or repetitive queries.
Combine AI with traditional research methods instead of replacing them entirely.
Stay informed about sustainable AI practices and the environmental policies of technology companies.
Support institutions and initiatives working toward greener computing and responsible technology use.
Learn More
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Example of citing text from ChatGPT: "Environmental Impact and ChatGPT" ChatGPT, OpenAI, 31 Oct. 2025, https://chat.openai.com/
Note: ChatGPT is an AI tool that generates text based on prompts. When you use or quote information from ChatGPT, always acknowledge the source and verify the information with credible materials such as books, academic articles, or official websites.
NIU Library. “Generative AI Tools and Academic Honesty.” YouTube, 28 Oct. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idu4ilTlGEY
PRIVACY ISSUES
AI tools like ChatGPT process and store user inputs to improve their performance. While these systems are designed to protect personal data, users should be aware that information shared with AI tools may not always be fully private. It’s important to understand how data is collected, stored, and potentially used to train future models.
Key Points
Data Collection: AI tools may store conversation logs to enhance system accuracy and detect misuse.
Sensitive Information: Avoid entering personal details such as names, addresses, financial data, or confidential work/school information.
Third-Party Systems: Some AI tools integrate with other platforms that may have their own privacy policies.
Transparency: Reputable AI providers publish privacy policies explaining how data is used and protected.
How to Use Responsibly
Never share personal, confidential, or identifying information in your prompts.
Review the tool’s privacy policy before use.
Use institutional or educational accounts when available for added data protection.
Treat AI as a public digital space—only share information you’d be comfortable making public.
Learn More
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Example of citing text from ChatGPT: "Privacy Issues and ChatGPT" ChatGPT, OpenAI, 30 Oct. 2025, https://chat.openai.com/
Note: ChatGPT is an AI tool that generates text based on prompts. When you use or quote information from ChatGPT, always acknowledge the source and verify the information with credible materials such as books, academic articles, or official websites.
NIU Library. “Generative AI Tools and Academic Honesty.” YouTube, 28 Oct. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idu4ilTlGEY
COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL & ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS
Copyright is protected information. Learn more about copyright on the CREDO database.
NIU Library. “Generative AI Tools and Academic Honesty.” YouTube, 28 Oct. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idu4ilTlGEY
Consider the Potential of Using These Tools
AI tools such as ChatGPT can be valuable resources for students, helping to spark creativity, organize ideas, and explore new perspectives. When used thoughtfully, they can support learning, research, and project planning.
Ways Students Can Benefit
Brainstorming: Generate ideas for research papers, projects, or presentations.
Outlining and Planning: Structure essays, reports, or study guides efficiently.
Learning Support: Clarify concepts, summarize information, or suggest discussion questions.
Skill Development: Practice writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving with guided prompts.
Tips for Responsible Use
Use AI tools as a starting point, not a replacement for your own research or analysis.
Verify information with credible sources such as library databases, textbooks, or scholarly articles.
Maintain your own voice and critical thinking in any work produced.
Be mindful of privacy, bias, and environmental considerations when using AI.
Learn More
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Example of citing text from ChatGPT: "Consider the Potential of Using AI Tools" ChatGPT, OpenAI, 30 Oct. 2025, https://chat.openai.com/
Note: ChatGPT is an AI tool that generates text based on prompts. When you use or quote information from ChatGPT, always acknowledge the source and verify the information with credible materials such as books, academic articles, or official websites.
NIU Library. “Generative AI Tools and Academic Honesty.” YouTube, 28 Oct. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idu4ilTlGEY
VERIFY GENERATED INFORMATION
AI tools like ChatGPT can provide ideas, explanations, or suggestions, but the information they generate may not always be accurate or complete. Users should treat AI outputs as starting points and verify facts using credible sources before relying on them in academic work.
Why Verification Matters
AI can produce incorrect, outdated, or misleading information.
It may present opinions or assumptions as facts.
Sources are not always cited, and some responses may reflect bias or generalizations.
How to Verify Responsibly
Cross-check with authoritative sources: Use library databases, academic journals, and textbooks.
Evaluate credibility: Consider the author, publication, and date of the source.
Fact-check statistics and claims: Look for multiple independent sources that confirm the information.
Use AI as a guide, not a citation: Incorporate verified information into your own work and maintain your own voice.
Learn More
Example of citing text from ChatGPT: "Verify Generated Information Using AI Tools" ChatGPT, OpenAI, 30 Oct. 2025, https://chat.openai.com/
Note: ChatGPT is an AI tool that generates text based on prompts. When you use or quote information from ChatGPT, always acknowledge the source and verify the information with credible materials such as books, academic articles, or official websites.
NIU Library. “Generative AI Tools and Academic Honesty.” YouTube, 28 Oct. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idu4ilTlGEY