1. Purpose
This policy explains how you can and cannot use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in your studies. Following this policy is part of your responsibility as a student and is essential for maintaining academic integrity. Violations of this policy may result in serious academic consequences.
Your commitment: By enrolling in courses at Contal Training Services, you agree to use AI tools ethically, transparently, and in accordance with this policy.
2. Academic Integrity and Honesty
2.1 What Counts as Academic Misconduct
Serious violations include:
- Submitting AI-generated content as your own original work
- Using AI for assessments where it’s prohibited
- Failing to attribute AI assistance when required
- Lying about AI use when questioned
2.2 Why This Matters
For Your Learning:
- Using AI without understanding undermines your education
- You won’t develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- You may struggle in workplace situations requiring independent work
- You miss opportunities to demonstrate your actual capabilities
For Your Future:
- Employers expect graduates to have genuine skills and knowledge
- Professional registration may require demonstrated competency
- Your reputation and credibility depend on honest achievement
- Academic misconduct can affect future study and career opportunities
For Legal and Ethical Reasons:
- Uploading or pasting client information into AI tools without adequate data protection measures risks violation of privacy and violation of privacy laws
- Uploading or pasting in copyright material that is ingested and reused by the AI model risks breaching copyright or licensing terms.
3. What AI Tools Are We Talking About?
AI tools include but are not limited to:
- ChatGPT, Claude, Bard, and other text generation tools
- Grammarly and other advanced writing assistants
- AI-powered research and summarisation tools
- Translation software with AI capabilities
- AI tutoring or homework help platforms
4. When You CAN Use AI
Permitted Uses (With Proper Attribution)
Research and Learning Support:
- Getting explanations of concepts you need more assistance with
- Finding initial sources and research directions
- Learning about industry trends and developments
Writing and Language Support:
- Getting suggestions for better word choices
- Checking spelling and punctuation
How to Use AI Appropriately
The Golden Rule: You must always be able to explain and defend any work you submit. If you can’t explain how you arrived at your answer or created your content, you shouldn’t submit it.
Best Practices:
- Use AI as a starting point, not an ending point
- Always add your own analysis, insights, and personal reflection
- Verify all AI-generated information with reliable sources
- Modify and improve upon AI suggestions rather than copying them
- Ensure the final work represents your understanding and learning
5. Disclosure and Attribution Requirements
When You Must Attribute AI Use
You must disclose AI use whenever you:
- Use AI-generated text, even if you modify it
- Get help with research or finding sources
- Get help with calculations or problem-solving
How to Attribute AI Use
Required Attribution Format: “This work was completed with assistance from [AI tool name]. The AI was used for [specific purpose]. All AI-generated content was reviewed, modified, and verified by the author.”
Examples of Proper Attribution:
Example 1: “This essay was completed with assistance from ChatGPT. The AI was used for initial brainstorming of main arguments and for grammar checking of the final draft. All ideas were developed further through independent research, and all AI suggestions were verified against course materials and academic sources.”
Example 2: “This research summary was completed with assistance from Claude.ai. The AI was used to explain complex terminology found in academic sources and to suggest organisational structure for the literature review. All sources were independently verified and analysed.”
Where to Include Attribution
-
- In written assignments: Include attribution in a clearly marked section before your reference list
- In presentations: Include attribution on a dedicated slide or in presenter notes
- In code submissions: Include attribution in comments within the code file
- In portfolio work: Include attribution in accompanying documentation or reflection statements
6. When You CANNOT Use AI
Prohibited Uses
Never use AI for:
- Creating final assessment content that you submit as your own original work
- Completing entire assignments, essays, or reports without substantial personal input
- Taking online quizzes, tests, or exams (unless explicitly permitted)
- Group work portions assigned specifically to you
- Practical assessments requiring demonstration of your skills
- Personal reflection assignments about your own experiences
- Creative work meant to showcase your individual talents or perspectives
- Uploading or pasting client information into AI tools. Material that is ingested and reused by the AI model risks violation of privacy and violation of privacy laws
- Uploading or pasting in copyright material. Material that is ingested and reused by the AI model risks breaching copyright or licensing terms.
Supervised Assessments:
- Practical demonstrations
- Oral presentations
- Skills assessments
- Workplace observations
AI use is prohibited during these assessments unless explicitly stated otherwise by your trainer/assessor.
5.3 Assessment-Specific Rules
Always check your assessment instructions. Each assignment may have specific AI use rules that override general permissions. Look for statements like:
- “AI tools are not permitted for this assessment”
- “AI use must be approved in advance”
- “This assessment must demonstrate your independent work”
- “AI is permitted for research only, not content generation”
7. Evidence Requirements
6.1 What You Need to Keep
To demonstrate academic integrity, you should maintain:
- Notes from your research and planning process
- Draft versions showing your work development
- Screenshots or saved conversations with AI tools (if used)
- Records of sources consulted and how you verified information
- Evidence of your own analysis and critical thinking
- Reflection on your learning process
- Documentation of how you built upon AI suggestions
- Evidence of independent problem-solving
When You’ll Need to Provide Evidence
Your trainer may ask for evidence of your work process if:
- Your work shows sudden improvement in quality or complexity
- Your writing style seems inconsistent with previous submissions
- Your work contains information or techniques not covered in class
- AI detection software flags potential AI use
- Your responses seem too generic or lack personal insight
8. Consequences
Progressive Response System
First Minor Violation (e.g., forgotten attribution):
- Educational discussion with your trainer
- Opportunity to resubmit with proper attribution
- Documented warning in your student file
- Required AI literacy training
Repeated or Moderate Violations:
- Grade reduction on the affected assessment
- Formal academic misconduct record
- Mandatory meeting with academic advisor
- Additional monitoring of future assignments
Serious Violations:
- Failure of the affected assessment
- Potential failure of the entire course
- Academic probation or suspension
- Notation on academic transcript
- Impact on graduation and certification
Appeal Process
If you believe you’ve been unfairly accused of AI misconduct:
- Request a meeting with your trainer/assessor to discuss the concerns
- Provide evidence of your work process and legitimate AI use
- If unresolved, escalate to the Academic Manager
- Follow institutional grievance procedures if necessary
9. Getting Help and Support
When You’re Unsure
Always ask if you’re uncertain about:
- Whether AI use is appropriate for a specific assessment
- How to properly attribute AI assistance
- What constitutes acceptable vs. unacceptable AI use
- How to use AI tools effectively for learning
Who to Ask:
- Your trainer or assessor (first point of contact)
- Academic support services
- Student services team
Learning to Use AI Effectively
Resources Available:
- Online guides and tutorials
- Peer study groups and discussions
- Individual consultations with academic support staff
Good Habits to Develop:
- Read AI policy for each new course or unit
- Check assessment instructions carefully
- Keep detailed records of your work process
- Practice proper attribution techniques
- Reflect on how AI assistance enhances rather than replaces your learning
10. Special Considerations
Accessibility and Learning Support
If you have documented learning difficulties or disabilities:
- Discuss AI use options with your trainer/assessors or administration
- Ensure AI accommodations are formally documented
- Maintain clear records of approved AI assistance
- English as Additional Language
If English is not your first language:
- Discuss appropriate language support with your trainer/assessors or administration
- Focus on improving your English skills alongside AI assistance
- Ensure you can explain and defend your work in English
Industry-Specific Considerations
Some industries have specific expectations about AI use, e.g:
- Healthcare: Patient privacy and professional judgment requirements
- Education: Modeling appropriate technology use
- Finance: Regulatory compliance and accuracy requirements
Discuss industry-specific AI expectations with your trainers and during workplace learning.
11. Staying Current
Policy Updates
This policy will be updated regularly as:
- AI technology continues to evolve
- Educational best practices develop
- Industry requirements change
- Student feedback is incorporated
Your responsibility: Check for policy updates each semester and when starting new courses.
Developing AI Literacy
As AI becomes more prevalent in workplaces:
- Learn to use AI tools effectively and ethically
- Understand the limitations and potential biases of AI
- Develop skills in evaluating AI-generated content
- Practise transparent and responsible AI use
- Stay informed about AI developments in your field
12. Quick Reference Guide
Generally OK (with attribution):
- Research assistance and concept explanations
- Grammar and language checking
- Brainstorming and initial idea generation
- Learning support and tutoring
- Accessibility accommodations
- Submitting AI work as your own original creation
- Using AI in supervised assessments without permission
- Copying AI responses without attribution
- Using AI for personal reflection or experience-based assignments
- Ignoring specific assessment restrictions
- Assessment-specific AI rules
- Group work AI policies
- Industry placement AI expectations
- Technical skill demonstrations
- Creative or original work requirements
13. Contact Information
For questions about this policy:
For reporting AI misconduct concerns:
- Confidential reporting: Email Student Services
- Student grievance process: Email Student Services
Remember: When in doubt, ask. It’s always better to clarify expectations than to risk academic misconduct.