Generative AI

<p dir="ltr">The use of AI in the creative sector has risen exponentially since OpenAI launched its chatbot, ChatGPT, and text-to-image generation software DALL-E, late in 2022. Since then, alongside the advent of other image-generation platforms such as Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, the applications and possibilities for AI continue to grow rapidly, including new ways to generate writing, images, sound and film and interpret and analyse data. Recognising the speed at which AI tools can now generate sophisticated content, artists and designers are seeking to better understand the risks and opportunities of generative AI for the creative workplace and their futures.</p> <p dir="ltr">Acknowledging that this is an emerging field with fast-moving ethical and legislative implications, academics across Arts University Plymouth are currently following the <a href="https://russellgroup.ac.uk/news/new-principles-on-use-of-ai-in-education/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell Group principles on the use of generative AI tools in education</a> and from <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/generative-artificial-intelligence-in-education/generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-education" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Government</a>, and ensuring that students develop an understanding of the potential impact of AI on their creative practices.</p> <p dir="ltr">In line with the Russell Group principles on the use of generative AI tools in education, Arts University Plymouth agrees to the following:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The University will support students and staff to become AI-literate.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Staff should be equipped to support students to use generative AI tools effectively and ethically in their learning experience.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The University will adapt teaching and assessment to incorporate the appropriate use of generative AI and support equal access.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The University will ensure academic rigour and integrity is upheld.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The University will work collaboratively to share best practice as the technology and its application in education evolves.</p></li></ul> <p>Arts University Plymouth’s approach to learning and teaching acknowledges the widespread proliferation of generative AI tools in education and the creative sector. We have elected to take a cautious but open position, so that students are free to use AI for ideation, drafts and modelling prototypes. This approach allows our students to use or experiment with generative AI provided they do so within the guidelines of our academic policy and as stated within the Academic Misconduct Policy. Detailed guidelines have recently been developed by our AI and Creative Practice Working Group and approved by our Learning &amp; Teaching Committee (1 February 2024) to support <a href="https://sites.google.com/aup.ac.uk/library-and-academic-skills/library/harvard-referencing/referencing-examples/ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acknowledging, citing and referencing the use of generative AI</a> within work. These are available online for Arts University Plymouth students on the Library and Academic Skills section of our Student Portal.</p> <p dir="ltr">Students can use generative AI as a tool for idea generation (ideation) and assisted creation of work when this is clearly credited and rationalised. Students are assessed throughout their studies in a number of ways, including written work, review of creative practice, communication through presentations and research posters, as well as ongoing moderation. </p> <p dir="ltr">Within our Academic Policies (available on our Student Portal) we currently identify inappropriate uses of generative AI tools by our students as being*:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Submitting work for assessment that consists only of substantially unmodified content from Generative Artificial Intelligence software will be considered as poor academic practice.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Persistent exhibition of poor academic practice through inappropriate use of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools, such as a lack of evidencing their use.</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">*Published February 2024</p> <p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth will continue to develop its future approach to generative AI in coordination with Higher Education representative body <a href="https://guildhe.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GuildHE</a> and the wider university sector, including closely scrutinising guidance around how to assess academic work that has been supported by AI tools.</p> <p dir="ltr">Due to the emergent nature of the field of generative AI, students should speak to their Course Leaders with any questions about the use of AI at Arts University Plymouth – this webpage might not reflect the most recent changes in our approach to AI within the university.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">In October 2023 we launched a staff-led focus group on AI that meets regularly and includes academics, technicians, learning technologists, academic librarians and the university Student Union President.</p> <p dir="ltr">In March 2024 our Students’ Union will host ‘AI and the Horizon of Creative Practice’, a student-led symposium on AI for students to voice their thoughts, ideas and concerns in a constructive forum and to develop better understanding and historical context for AI.</p> <p dir="ltr">The University will continue to offer events and opportunities for staff and students to debate and explore generative AI as it develops. As part of Arts University Plymouth’s Core Lecture Series 2023/24, all students have access to a Visiting Lecturer Programme based on the theme of ‘AI, the post-human and the horizon of creative practice’. Visiting lecturers have included renowned international artist, writer and AI theorist, Professor Lev Manovich, one of the most influential theorists of digital culture worldwide.<br /></p>

<ul><li><a href="https://tinyurl.com/2a4a4rl4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to access a list of AI related books, Ebooks, Films and Digital Videos.</a> Please note that this link is accessible only to enrolled students and staff.<br /></li><li>The <strong>AI UK Fringe</strong>, a series of events between 4 – 29 March 2024 which is supported by the Alan Turing Institute, will bring together leaders in academia from across the UK’s AI ecosystem to demonstrate, exhibit and update on their ground-breaking work. <a href="https://ai-uk.turing.ac.uk/fringe-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to see the range of talks and events taking place throughout March 2024.</a></li></ul>