FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES
TO : MS PATIENCE KANYALU
FROM : GODWILL MCHUNKHA
REG NO : BEDADL12824
PROGRAMME : BACHELOR OF EDUCATION(ARTS)
LEVEL :1
SEMESTER :1
COURSE TITLE : INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION
COURSE CODE : COMM 1101
ASSINGMENT NO :1
TASK : DISCUSS HOW UNIVERSITY STUDENTS CAN BALANCE
BETWEEN THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AND THE NEED TO AVOID PLAGIARISM IN
ACADEMIC WRITING
DUE DATE : 31st FEBRUARY
In today’s world, technology is a significant part of our everyday lives, especially for university
students. One of the most exciting developments is artificial intelligence (AI), which offers many
tools to help with study and writing tasks. From writing assistants to research tools, AI makes it
easier for students to gather information and generate content. However, while AI can be helpful,
it also raises concerns about plagiarism. Plagiarism is when someone uses another person’s work
without acknowledging(citing) the original author, and it can lead to serious academic
consequences. Therefore, students need to find a balance between using AI to enhance their work
and ensuring that they produce original and honest writing. This essay will discuss five practical
ways that university students can achieve this balance: understanding plagiarism, using AI for
inspiration, practicing proper citation, getting feedback on their writing, and reflecting on their use
of AI tools. By following these strategies, students can use AI wisely while maintaining their
integrity in academic writing.
First and foremost, it is essential for students to understand what plagiarism is and why it is
important to avoid it. Plagiarism can include copying text, using someone else’s ideas, or failing
to cite sources correctly. Many universities have strict policies regarding academic integrity, and
students can face penalties for plagiarism, such as failing a course or even being expelled
(University of California, 2020). To avoid these pitfalls, students should familiarize themselves
with their school's guidelines and take advantage of resources like workshops and online tutorials
that explain academic integrity and citation practices. By understanding what constitutes
plagiarism, students can navigate their use of AI tools responsibly.
In addition to understanding plagiarism, students should use AI tools as a source of inspiration
rather than relying on them for complete assignments. For example, AI can be beneficial for
generating ideas, developing outlines, or brainstorming topics. However, the actual writing should
reflect the student’s own thoughts and voice. This practice not only encourages original expression
but also helps students engage more deeply with the material (Anderson & Tushman, 1990). By
using AI in this way, students can enhance their creativity while minimizing the risk of
unintentionally committing plagiarism.
Another important aspect of academic writing is proper citation. When utilizing AI-generated
content or any other sources, students must ensure they provide appropriate citations. Proper
citation involves giving credit to the original authors of the information used, which helps to avoid
plagiarism (Purdue OWL, n.d.). Many AI tools offer features that assist with formatting citations
correctly, and students should take advantage of these resources. By establishing good citation
habits early on, students can strengthen their writing and demonstrate their commitment to
academic honesty.
Furthermore, students should focus on improving their writing skills by seeking feedback from
peers, instructors, or writing centers. While AI tools can help with grammar and style, they do not
replace the valuable insights that can come from human feedback. Participating in writing
workshops or study groups allows students to learn from each other and develop their skills
collaboratively (Griffin & McKinney, 2021). By consistently working to improve their writing,
students will gain confidence in their ability to produce original work, reducing the need to rely
on AI-generated content.
Finally, students should engage in self-reflection regarding their use of AI tools in the writing
process. Keeping a journal to track both the benefits they have gained from AI and the challenges
they face concerning plagiarism can be helpful. Reflecting on their experiences encourages
students to think critically about their writing practices and enables them to use AI in ways that
enhance their learning without compromising their integrity (Winters & McGowan, 2021).
In conclusion, university students can successfully navigate the use of artificial intelligence by
understanding plagiarism, using AI tools responsibly, practicing good citation habits, improving
their writing through feedback, and reflecting on their usage of AI. By approaching AI as a
supportive tool rather than a substitute for their own work, students can enrich their academic
experience while remaining dedicated to producing original writing. Emphasizing academic
integrity not only benefits individual students but also contributes to a culture of honesty and
respect within the academic community.
REFERENCES
Anderson, P, & Tushman, M. L. (1990). Technological Discontinuities and Dominant Designs:
A cyclical model of technological change. Administrative Science Quarterly, 35(4), 604-
633.
Griffin, R. W, & McKinney, J. K. (2021). Writing Across the Curriculum: Essential Elements for
Success. Journal of Business Communication, 58(2), 210-226.
Purdue OWL. (n.d.). Plagiarism. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research and
citation/using research/plagiarism.html
University of California. (2020). Academic integrity: Understanding plagiarism.
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/plagiarism
Winters, S., & McGowan, J. (2021). Reflective Practice and Peer Feedback in Academic Writing:
Building Community in the Virtual Classroom. Journal of Educational Technology
Systems, 49(3), 239-258.
