A recent informal survey of site managers and editors suggests that only a few of us (less than 20%) have begun using generative when working on our sites. If you're an early adopter, here are some best practices to keep in mind.
What is generative AI (GenAI)?
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that uses machine learning to create new types of media, including text, images, sound, and video. Users write short “prompts” to guide the AI in creating this content.
Best practices for using generative AI tools when building and managing McGill websites
Content on McGill’s websites must align with McGill’s Digital Standards. Below are some details that are particularly relevant for content created using generative AI.
Be thorough in your process
- Adhere to McGill's guidelines and requirements for digital content. Initiate a plan for evaluating adherence on an ongoing basis.
- Clearly indicate when images, video and audio content have been produced by generative AI.
- Evaluate text created using generative AI for adherence to McGill's Digital Standards.
- Copyright considerations for content created using generative AI: Using generative AI tools can infringe on a copyright owner's exclusive rights by producing derivatives. McGill users must respect copyrights. View the Copyright at McGill website for further details.
Make sites accessible and inclusive
- Refer to the Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence Systems - Technical Guide, Government of Canada for best practices for using AI to support people with disabilities.
Protect websites and users' data
- Don't share sensitive or restricted data on unauthorized generative AI tools.
- Microsoft Copilot is currently the only authorized generative AI tool at McGill. Refer to the Copilot article in the IT Services Knowledge Base to learn what content is acceptable and not acceptable to enter into a prompt.
For full details about criteria for building and managing McGill websites, view McGill's Digital Standards.
What's next?
Future updates to our Digital Standards
As we explore AI's potential more fully, we may expand and clarify how to use AI responsibly in our digital environment. Keep an eye on our website for related updates and announcements.
Ways to use generative AI tools to build and manage your site
We're working on adding content to our training courses for using generative AI tools to build and manage sites. Watch out for updates about our training offerings.
Other AI-related resources produced by the McGill Community
- Microsoft Copilot and general guidelines for using generative AI tools, IT Services
- Guide for Artificial Intelligence, McGill Libraries
- Generative AI for teaching and learning at McGill, Senate sub-committee on teaching the learning
- Using generative AI in teaching and learning (knowledge base article), Teaching and Learning Services
