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Learn how to use AI responsibly and effectively in your studies.

Using AI ethically and responsibly

Summary

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Watch Ethical and responsible use of AI (YouTube, 1m 18s).

Checklist for ethical AI use

This checklist was inspired by UQ students who participated in focus groups in the Student perspectives on AI in higher education project. The checklist highlights the importance of engaging ethically and responsibly with AI in learning. It aims to guide you in using AI responsibly while maintaining fairness, trust, and academic integrity.

Ethical considerations Reflection questions
Trust, ethics, and integrity
  • Do you know where the AI-generated information is coming from?
  • Have you verified the accuracy of AI outputs against trusted sources?
  • Are you acknowledging and referencing AI contributions in your work to maintain academic integrity?
  • Have you considered whether the AI respects Indigenous data sovereignty and cultural considerations?
  • Are you inputting information that isn’t yours to share? For example, Indigenous data, personal information, sensitive information, copyright and licensed works.
Human-centred and equitable learning
  • Are you using AI to complement collaboration and creativity, not replace them?
  • Are you mindful of how over-reliance on AI might affect interpersonal connections in your studies?
Responsible use and future preparedness
  • Are you using AI as a tool to enhance your learning, not as a shortcut?
  • Are you building your skills and critical thinking alongside AI use?
  • Are you thinking about the ways future workplaces will value thoughtful integration of technology, including AI use?
  • Are you aware of the impacts of AI use on the planet?

By reflecting on these questions, you can use AI responsibly while staying aligned with UQ’s values and your personal learning goals.

UQ students’ reflections on ethical AI use

Read what UQ students in the focus groups had to say about ethical use of AI.

AI tools can simplify your studies, but building trust and using them ethically is essential. Always consider how the information was generated, and ensure your use aligns with UQ’s academic integrity guidelines. A student in law shared,

"I’m cautious about AI because it hallucinates and can create false narratives."

Transparency is key—know where the data comes from, and acknowledge AI’s contributions in your work. One student explained,

"I feel better when I understand how the AI came to its conclusions."  

Additionally, be mindful of data privacy. A public health student asked,

"When you input data into AI, where does it go? Can you trust it with sensitive information?"

AI is a powerful tool, but it should never replace the human connections that make learning meaningful. Students in the UQ focus groups valued collaboration and creativity, which AI cannot replicate. As one student reflected,

"Being a student is about connecting with others—AI can’t replace that."

Equity is also crucial. Not all students have the same access to AI tools, which can create unfair advantages. A data science student said,

"It’s not just about having AI—it’s about ensuring everyone can use it fairly.

Using AI responsibly means treating it as a tool to support your learning, not replace it. Over-reliance on AI can undermine critical thinking and personal growth. As one student shared,

"If you skip the research and let AI do all the work, you’re not really learning."

Preparation for the future involves learning how to integrate AI thoughtfully and ethically into your studies and career. A business student noted,

"Knowing how to use AI effectively is a skill employers will value."

Universities are evolving to teach these skills, ensuring you’re ready for an AI-enhanced world.

Indigenous data and AI

Do you understand how AI impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and First Nations people worldwide? Indigenous data sovereignty, emphasises the right of First Nations peoples to control how their data is collected, stored, and used.

Tamika Worrell recently summarised some of the risks of AI to Indigenous knowledges and peoples.

The Global Indigenous Data Alliance (GIDA) formulated the FAIR and CARE Principles to inform approaches for Indigenous data governance.

FAIR - Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable. CARE - Collective benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics.
Source: GIDA shared under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence.

You can learn more about these principles to inform how you use and shape AI in the future.

UQ’s Indigenous Learning Subcommittee will inform the development of UQ’s AI in Education Ethical Framework in 2025.

Share your views on responsible use of AI

In 2025, a UQ working group will be developing a Responsible use of AI in UQ Education framework. This will acknowledge global ethical implications and debates but will focus on responsible use in teaching, learning, assessment, and student experience.

You can express interest to contribute to this working group or share your views on ethical use of AI.

Indicate your interest or share your views

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