Using AI in Your Studies

There are many AI tools that can be helpful in your studies. HVL (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences) especially recommends the GPT UiO language model, the Keenious search tool, and the Autotekst transcription service. 

GPT UiO 

HVL provides access to GPT UiO, a privacy-conscious language model developed by the University of Oslo (UiO), for use by students. While there are many other language models and tools available, please be especially mindful when using commercial tools that do not have a data processing agreement or do not clearly explain how they handle personal data. 

Keenious 

Keenious is an AI-powered search tool that can help you explore new academic topics. While it doesn’t replace traditional database searches, it can suggest relevant research articles based on your input. You can paste text or upload a PDF to get started. Learn more about Keenious on the HVL Library website. 

Autotekst 

Autotekst is a speech-to-text transcription service developed by UiO and hosted on UiO’s servers. You can use Autotekst to transcribe audio recordings or add subtitles to videos. Visit the Autotekst page for access and information about universal design for audio content. 

Using AI tools is not the same as performing a regular internet search. Language models like ChatGPT or GPT UiO are not reliable sources of factual information. If you use them to gather information, you should always verify it using trusted academic sources. 

Generative AI tools like GPT UiO should not be used as sources of information or for identifying relevant academic literature. If you're interested in exploring how AI can support literature searches, you might want to try the AI-powered search tool Keenious. 

When you're learning new material, you can ask an AI tool to create quiz questions or self-check exercises to test your understanding. You can also ask the AI to act as a constructive reviewer and give feedback on a text you've written. 

You’ll find more examples and tips on the Søk & Skriv website – a resource for academic writing and study strategies.

These are just a few examples – there are many other ways AI can support your learning. 

• Ask an AI tool to help improve your writing, for example by making it clearer and easier to understand. 

• Use AI to translate text to or from another language. 

• Get feedback on your writing, or use AI to brainstorm and refine your ideas. 

• AI tools can help you process and analyze data for assignments or research. 

• Get help with writing and testing code or algorithms. 

• Use AI to generate figures, tables, and other visual aids to support your assignments or presentations. 

• Create images and illustrations with the help of AI tools.

As a student, you're expected to submit work that is independently produced. This means you are the author of your own assignments. You must not use AI tools to generate full paragraphs or sections of your text. 

Language models like ChatGPT or GPT UiO work best in a conversational format. The questions you ask shape the quality of the response. It’s not just about asking one question, but about refining the answer through several rounds of interaction. 

Context is key to getting useful and accurate responses. Without it, the output may be vague or misleading. The more the model knows about your situation, the better the result. 

When using a language model, include: 

• That you are a student 

• What you study and at what level 

• What you need help with (e.g. developing a research question, outlining an assignment, or preparing for an exam) 

This helps the AI give you more relevant and tailored support. 

Just like with most online services, it’s important to be aware of what kind of data you share when using AI tools. You may share publicly available information, but you should not enter personal data about yourself or upload copyrighted material. 

If you’re using GPT UiO, you’re allowed to share non-public information. However, even here, you must avoid sharing anything that could harm individuals or organizations. 

No matter which AI tool you use, never share sensitive personal data or confidential information. 

For detailed examples of which types of data are safe to share with AI tools, visit HVL’s data storage guidelines. 

At HVL, the rules on academic misconduct apply to all types of submissions—whether it's an exam or a required learning activity. 

If all tools are allowed, you may use AI tools such as GPT UiO. You’ll find information about permitted tools in the course description and in the exam instructions. 

If your use of AI affects your findings, analysis methods, or data processing, you must explain how you used AI in your written work. 

Remember: exam submissions must be independently produced. Submitting work that is fully or partly created by someone else—including AI—is considered academic misconduct. 

Also, be aware that referring to fake or invented sources is not allowed. Generative AI tools are known to “make up” references, so always double-check your sources. 

Text produced by AI tools is not considered a valid academic source. Academic sources must have a responsible author, and that’s not the case with content generated by a language model. For this reason, AI tools like GPT UiO cannot be listed as co-authors. 

AI-generated text is also not reproducible by others in the same way. That’s why it’s important to explain how you used the tool in your assignment. 

In larger assignments, it’s appropriate to describe your use of AI in the introduction or methodology section. In shorter tasks, you can briefly mention it wherever it fits naturally. 

Examples of how to describe AI use in your text: 

• I used GPT UiO to draft an outline for my bachelor’s thesis. 

• GPT UiO was also used to create a timeline for my project. 

• Additionally, I used GPT UiO to suggest research questions and problem statements for the assignment. 

In some cases, you must include AI tools in your reference list. This applies when AI is used to perform analyses that influence your results or findings. It also applies if your assignment focuses on a specific AI tool and you generate content to demonstrate how it works. 

Learn more on the Søk & Skriv website about using artificial intelligence in academic writing. 

When you're on placement, the rules and guidelines of your placement site apply. Be especially careful with any information about patients, service users, or children and young people under the age of 18. This is to protect privacy and ensure responsible handling of personal data.