Cath Ellis

Cath Ellis, an academic at Western Sydney University, recently gained attention for admitting to using an AI tool, Copilot Large Language Model, to assist in writing an opinion piece for the Sydney Morning Herald. The piece itself urged students to avoid using AI to 'cut corners' in their academic work. Ellis reportedly uploaded 40,000 words of her own original material into the AI to generate early drafts. This action has sparked discussion about trust in AI technology, especially in academic contexts. The incident highlights the complex relationship between educators, students, and artificial intelligence, raising questions about authorship, academic integrity, and the ethical use of AI in creating content. The low trust in AI among Australians, as indicated by a recent survey, further contextualizes the significance of Ellis's admission and the ongoing debate surrounding AI's role in education and public discourse.