Using AI

"AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. These tasks include learning from data, recognizing patterns, making decisions, and solving problems without direct human intervention. For college students, AI may offer tools and applications to enhance learning, support research, and streamline various academic processes" (ChatGPT, 2023).

There are many different AI platforms out there to help you, however use them cautiously and with integrity. Although we are still in the early stages of understanding the use of AI, it is already clear that by itself, it is not a substitute for learning but it can be a useful tool if used ethically. 

In my class, any ideas or content used in your assignments that is derived from AI must be clearly cited and include an AI disclosure statement. 

The answer to this question is complicated, but can best be done by saying yes and no. 

Cut-and-Paste

Anytime that you cut-and-paste from another source, that information MUST be quoted and cited - this also holds true for AI generated work. Please refer to my citation policy for more information about how to do that. No more than 15% of any assignment can be quoted word-for-word, regardless of the author/source.

Generate Ideas

I am fine with students using AI to help generate ideas to guide them through an assignment; of course I am also available to help and by using me, you don't run the risk of violating academic integrity like you do when using AI. Using AI to help generate ideas is perfectly fine so long as the ideas that you use are cited appropriately (see citation policy). 

In my class learning should be authentic, original, and creative, while focusing on critical thinking and problem solving (ChatGPT, 2023) - using AI to help guide your work is acceptable so long as you are building upon those ideas. Below is what ChatGPT produced from my query, where you can see how it was used to guide what was written in this paragraph:

"Let's keep things authentic and original in our assignments – please avoid using AI. Show off your own creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It's all about personal growth and learning together. Let's ace this journey with our unique efforts!"

You can see that I cited the ChatGPT core ideas that connected to my own values and were used in this policy, but wrote about them in my own, original way. This is an acceptable way to ethically use AI in assignments.

Once again, the answer to this question is not so easy for me to answer because I am still undecided. If you use it ethically and in accordance with my academic integrity policies, then I think it is a fine tool to use that can facilitate your learning. However, if you use it as a simple cut-and-paste, then that is a definite "no-no." 

If you are ever unsure, the best thing is to check in with me!

If you use AI for any aspect of your assignment, including to help you generate ideas, you are required to cite any AI content used, but also to include an AI disclosure statement. Your disclosure statement should be at the top of your assignment and include:

• the AI tool(s)

• the query phrase

• 1-3 sentences about how you used AI in your assignment

My AI disclosure statement example, which you are free to use as a template for your own:

I asked ChatGPT to "write a student friendly policy that discourages the use of AI in assignments" to get some ideas first, and then created my policies around some of the core ideas generated by ChatGPT. Anything that was created by ChatGPT will be cited.

If you need help or have any questions about using AI in my class, please reach out to me and I will be happy to help you navigate this new world! 

Helpful Resources

• APA Citations for Content Generated by Artificial Intelligence, Normandale Community College

• AI, ChatGPT, and the Library, Salt Lake City Community College