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Level 2Theme: Plagiarism

Plagiarism in the AI Era

Explore where getting help from AI ends and letting AI do the work begins, and why the rules can differ from one course to the next.

Badge to earn

Integrity Guardian

Level progress0 of 6 activities

0 of 60 points in this level

Step 1 · Watch

Is using ChatGPT plagiarism?

A short video on the grey areas of AI use in assignments.

Video coming soon. The caption and transcript are below.

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Is Using ChatGPT Plagiarism?

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Source
[TO BE ADDED]
Licence
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Alt text
Video discussing when using ChatGPT or similar tools becomes plagiarism.
Caption
Where help ends and misconduct begins, with university examples.
Transcript

[TO BE ADDED]

As you watch, ask yourself

  • Whose thinking is in the final work?
  • What do the rules for this task say?
  • Would I be comfortable explaining how I used AI?

Step 2 · Explore

From help to misconduct

AI use sits on a spectrum. Explore it, then hear two students talk it through.

Explore

The Plagiarism Spectrum

10 points
AI use is not simply allowed or banned. Select each numbered point on the line to see where common uses sit. View all of them to complete the activity.
  1. Acceptable
  2. Needs acknowledgement
  3. Misconduct
AcceptableExample 1 of 6 · viewed 1

Asking AI to explain a difficult concept from your lecture, then checking it against your readings.

Why: You use AI like a tutor to support your understanding, and you check what it says. The work you submit is still your own.

Usually fine where your course allows AI, and nothing AI-made is submitted as your own.

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Your course and university AI policy

Link coming soon.

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Source
[TO BE ADDED: University or faculty]
Licence
Not applicable
Alt text
Link to the official AI and academic integrity policy for this course.
Caption
Always follow the official policy and your lecturer's instructions.
Transcript

Not applicable.

Listen

Podcast: Is Using ChatGPT Cheating?

10 points
Listen to the short conversation, or read the transcript. Then mark it as done.
Audio placeholder

Is Using ChatGPT Cheating?

Audio coming soon. Read the transcript below.

URL
[TO BE ADDED]
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Licence
[TO BE ADDED]
Alt text
Short audio conversation between two students about whether using ChatGPT is cheating.
Caption
A short conversation about the grey areas of AI use in assignments.
Transcript

AISHA: Welcome back. Today's question: is using ChatGPT cheating? JUN: Honestly, it depends on how you use it. AISHA: Okay, give me an example. JUN: Say I'm stuck on a theory from my lecture. I ask an AI tool to explain it in simpler words, then I check it against my readings. That's using it like a tutor. AISHA: And if your course allows that kind of help, that's usually fine. What about the other end? JUN: If I paste the assignment question into the tool and hand in what it writes, that's not my work. That's misconduct. AISHA: What about the middle? Like using AI to brainstorm, or to fix your grammar? JUN: That's the grey zone. If AI shaped your ideas or rewrote your sentences, many courses expect you to say so. AISHA: So the key is to check the rules for each course. JUN: Exactly. Rules can be different between courses and universities. If you're not sure, ask your lecturer before you start. AISHA: And what about AI detectors? JUN: They can be wrong. They sometimes flag human writing as AI-generated. Keeping your notes and drafts helps you show your own process. AISHA: Last question. Why does this matter beyond grades? JUN: Because the point of an assignment is to build your own thinking. If AI does the thinking, you miss the learning. AISHA: Use AI as an assistant, not a replacement. Thanks for listening.

Step 3 · Try

Make the call

Sort eight everyday scenarios, then judge three short case studies.

Try

Sort the scenarios

10 points
Drag each scenario card into the category it belongs in, or select a category button. You get feedback straight away.
Scenario 1 of 8Score: 0

You ask AI to explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative research before starting your readings.

Try

Case studies: what is your verdict?

10 points
Read each short case and decide where it sits on the spectrum. Judge all three to complete the activity.

Judged 0 of 3

  • Case 1

    Aina's literature review

    Aina asks an AI tool for ten journal articles on climate change and health. She copies all ten into her reference list without searching for them. Her lecturer finds that three of the articles do not exist.

    Your verdict
  • Case 2

    Raj's marketing plan

    Raj's course allows AI for brainstorming. He asks AI for campaign ideas, picks one, then researches and writes the plan himself. He adds a statement explaining how he used AI.

    Your verdict
  • Case 3

    Mei Ling's exam revision

    Before her exam, Mei Ling asks AI to quiz her on her own lecture notes and to explain the questions she gets wrong. She checks the explanations against her textbook.

    Your verdict

Step 4 · Reflect

Find your line

Be honest with yourself. Your answer stays on your device.

Use one of the scenarios from this level as an example.

Not saved or sent anywhere. Download it to keep a copy.

0 characters · at least 30 to complete

Compare views (optional)

See where your classmates draw the line on the class Padlet board.

The class Padlet board will appear here.

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Class Padlet: Where is your line?

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[TO BE ADDED: Padlet board owner]
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[TO BE ADDED]
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Shared Padlet board where students post where they draw the line between AI help and AI doing the work.
Caption
Optional: share your line and compare views with classmates. Do not post personal information.
Transcript

Not applicable: this is an interactive board. The reflection box on this page is the text alternative.

AI-Smart, Integrity-First

An interactive learning quest on using generative AI ethically in university learning.

Your progress is saved only in this browser. Reflections and certificate names are never stored.

My integrity pledge

  • AI can assist me.
  • I remain responsible.
  • I verify before I trust.
  • I disclose when required.
  • I protect information.
  • I keep my own thinking.
AI-Smart, Integrity-First: Using Generative AI Ethically in University Learning