Generative AI at VU Amsterdam

• What is GenAI?

  Generative AI systems generate texts, images or other media in response to questions and/or commands entered by humans (also known as prompts). ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini are AI chatbots, an example of generative AI. The utilization of a chatbot like that presents both possibilities and dangers.

  A chatbot operates using a comprehensive language model and generates responses (word by word) based on a probability model created from information on the internet. This data is often quite general in nature, not always accurate and may also contain biases. Therefore, always be critical of the text generated by a chatbot.

• Can I use GenAI for courses at VU Amsterdam?

  The short answer to this question is that, as a student, you are not allowed to use generative AI unless the lecturer or examiner of your course indicates if and how this is allowed. So always read your course's study guide carefully what the guideline states for using generative AI is. If this is not mentioned in the study guide, syllabus or Canvas, you can ask your teacher about it.

  Below are two examples where use of generative AI may be allowed in a specific way for a course.

  Example 1: writing improvement

  You can ask generative-AI chatbots to detect language spelling and structure improvements for texts you have created yourself, similar to how 'regular' spelling and grammar tools work. Like a language assistant, in other words. If the teacher allows it, generative AI can also give you inspiration for writing a piece of text. It gives content ideas and structures how to build a text. Make sure that the use of these tools does not interfere with a good assessment by the teacher of your own knowledge and skills.

  Example 2: searching for information

  Generative AI creates answers to questions you ask based on lots of existing data. This is somewhat similar to how you would search for information through, say, the University library catalogue, Google Scholar or through other methods (although it obviously works differently technically and the data sources are clear). Note that the chatbot may give different answers to the same question each time. After searching, you should always critically assess the value of this information, relate it to various other sources, process it yourself and justify your choices.

• Fraud

  In any case, what is certainly not allowed is committing fraud. The purpose of studying at VU Amsterdam is that you learn to acquire and process knowledge on your own. The writing process is important to organise your thoughts and process knowledge. You must also be able to report on this in a persuasive text (essay, pleading note, research report, etc.). This requires teachers and examiners to be able to identify your own level of knowledge and skill and your contribution to such a product. You have to create your text yourself: in other words, write it yourself.

  Therefore, keep being careful not to copy and paste information verbatim. Any form of literal copying and copying without full source citation (quoting, referencing) of any material, including that generated by generative AI, makes the examiner unable to assess your knowledge and skills (or insufficiently) and is therefore fraud.

  Note! Paraphrasing citations with generative AI and presenting them as your own work is also not allowed.

  Should your teacher have any doubts about whether you have used ChatGPT within the correct frameworks, the teacher can start the discussion with you and, in case of persistent doubt, refer to the examination board. It is the examination board that ultimately determines whether there is any fraud through an investigation. Examples of what constitutes fraud are listed in your faculty rules and guidelines of the examination board. So take note of those.

  Tip! Read more about academic integrity on this page where fraud and plagiarism are discussed in more depth.

  If you do copy certain parts of generative-AI output verbatim (e.g. because of the nature of the task), then you should cite this as the source and quote it correctly.

• Data protection and privacy

  VU Amsterdam cannot guarantee data protection and privacy for applications for which no formal data processing agreement is in place between VU Amsterdam and the application provider. Teachers cannot require you to use an unlicensed AI application, such as ChatGPT, Claude or Grok. They may, however, ask you to use an application for which VU Amsterdam has a licence. 

  For the following applications, appropriate agreements are in place, allowing you to use them safely within the applicable conditions:

  • Microsoft Copilot for Web
  • Google Gemini and Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM)
  • Cogniti at edubots.vu.nl
  • Canvas, FeedbackFruits, Wrifefull and others

  In all cases, users should never share sensitive information with the generative AI applications mentioned above, such as names, email addresses, health data, research data or confidential organizational information.

• Microsoft Copilot for Web

  VU Amsterdam has a contract and a data processing agreement with the provider Microsoft. Since February 2024, Microsoft Copilot for Web is available to VU students and staff. To use this chatbot securely, log in with your VU credentials. The data then remains only at VU Amsterdam and is not shared with others and no human will look into the data. However, Copilot does use Bing to conduct real-time searches on the internet as well. Users should be aware of this. Users should never share sensitive information with the application, such as names, email addresses, health data, research data or confidential organizational information.

  Note that VU Amsterdam does not have a licence for 'Microsoft Copilot 365' and did not make it available to employees or students.

• Google Gemini and Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM)

  VU Amsterdam has a contract and a data processing agreement with the supplier Google. These contain all kinds of provisions that prohibit the supplier from using personal data of VU employees and VU students for their own purposes, such as reselling. Gemini and Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) are core services covered by the Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals Terms of Service. 

  If you use your Google Workspace for Education account with Gemini and Gemini Notebook, your chats will not be reviewed by human moderators and will not be used in any other way to improve generative AI models. To use this chatbot securely, log in with your VU credentials.

  Never share sensitive information with GenAI applications, such as names, email addresses, health data, research data or confidential organizational information.

• Cogniti at edubots.vu.nl

  VU Amsterdam runs the Open Source educational tool Cogniti on a secure VU Amsterdam Azure environment. Teachers can make AI bots (Agents) to be used by students within Canvas or with specific access. Data remains in Europe and data is not shared with anyone. Additionally, all interactions of students with these agents are anonymized and teachers cannot read individual interactions.

  Still, you should never share sensitive information with the application, such as names, email addresses, health data, research data or confidential organizational information.

• Canvas, FeedbackFruits, Wrifefull and others

  VU Amsterdam already uses a number of didactical tools such as Canvas, FeedbackFruits, Writefull and others. Currently new AI functionality is added and VU Amsterdam monitors these. On the one hand, their educational value, and on the other, whether this value is balanced against the costs and VU Amsterdam’s values, including privacy and security. The AI functions in these applications are safe to use.

  Again, never share sensitive information with GenAI applications, such as names, email addresses, health data, research data or confidential organizational information.

• Sustainability

  VU Amsterdam already uses a number of didactical tools such as Canvas, FeedbackFruits, Writefull and others. Currently new AI functionality is added and VU Amsterdam monitors these. On the one hand, their educational value, and on the other, whether this value is balanced against the costs and VU Amsterdam’s values, including privacy and security. The AI functions in these applications are safe to use.