Student use of ChatGPT and other AI tools continues to grow. Conversations with students of responsible use of GenAI tools are important. This section will introduce a chatbot to help you communicate with students about the use of GenAI and provide three use cases in teaching activities for reference, as well as alternatives to address difficult conversations around AI with students.
At the start of the semester, a professor needs to introduce the role of AI tools in their course and set clear expectations for their use.
Preparation:
The professor uses the chatbot to generate a draft of a discussion plan on AI usage, including key questions to cover, such as the general role of AI and the acceptable use of AI in the classroom.
Example Query: "Can you help me create an introduction and discussion questions for my students about acceptable AI use in coursework?"
Class Discussion:
During the class, the professor presents asks key questions, and co-creates clear guidelines on how AI should and should not be used in coursework.
Example Explanation: "We’ll be discussing ethical implications of AI and how to use AI tools like ChatGPT in our assignments. It’s important to use these tools to assist with learning and not to have it do the critical thinking for you. Let’s go over the guidelines."
Follow-Up:
The professor can refer back to the chatbot for any specific questions or clarifications they might need when students ask follow-up questions during the semester.
Example Use: If students ask about specific scenarios, the professor can consult the chatbot to ensure they are providing accurate and consistent guidance.
Preparation for the Conversation:
The professor uses the chatbot to gather strategies and suggestions for discussing AI overuse with students.
Example Query: "What are some effective strategies for addressing a student’s overuse of AI tools in their assignments?"
Conducting the Conversation:
During the meeting with the student, the professor can reference insights gained from the chatbot to guide the discussion.
Example Discussion: "I’ve noticed that your recent assignments show heavy use of AI tools. Based on strategies I’ve researched, we need to focus on balancing AI assistance with your own work. Let’s discuss how you can apply these strategies."
Ongoing Support:
The professor can continue to use the chatbot to find additional advice and strategies if further issues arise.
Example Query: "What additional steps can I take to support a student who is struggling to balance AI use with their own contributions?"
The professor needs to address how AI tools should be used in group projects to ensure fair and responsible collaboration.
Preparation:
The professor uses the chatbot to develop guidelines and suggestions for AI use in group projects.
Example Query: "Can you provide guidelines for responsible AI use in group projects, including how to ensure all members contribute equally?"
Class Discussion:
During the group project briefing, the professor incorporates advice from the chatbot into the guidelines they provide to the students.
Example Explanation: "As you work on your group projects, it's important to use AI tools responsibly. Based on some practices I’ve researched and our course agreement, here are the guidelines for integrating AI without compromising individual contributions."
Addressing Issues:
If issues arise within groups about AI use, the professor can use the chatbot to find solutions or additional advice on handling the situation.
Example Solution: If the professor encounters issues with AI use in the students’ groups, they can provide additional guidance. They can consult the latest strategies to help them find a practical solution.
Alternatives to Address Difficult Conversations around AI with Students
Revisit the co-created classroom agreement on AI use to ensure that the guidelines and consequences for violations are clearly outlined.
Collect any evidence that indicates the student has violated the agreement. This could include assignments, logs, or any other relevant information.
Arrange a private meeting with the student to discuss the issue. Present the evidence and give the student an opportunity to explain their actions.
Try to understand why the student chose to use the AI tool inappropriately. There might be underlying issues such as difficulty with the material, time management problems, or lack of understanding about what constitutes a violation.
Clearly explain the consequences as outlined in the classroom agreement. Ensure the student understands why their actions were problematic and how it affects their learning and integrity.
Offer resources or support to help the student avoid future violations. This could include additional tutoring, time management workshops, or clearer guidance on acceptable use of AI tools.
Keep a detailed record of the incident, including the evidence, the discussion with the student, and the consequences enforced. This documentation can be important for future reference.
Reflect on the classroom agreement and consider if any adjustments are needed to clarify the guidelines or to better support students in adhering to them.
Follow up with the student to ensure they are on the right track and to provide ongoing support if needed. This can help reinforce the importance of academic integrity and responsible use of AI tools.