Embedded Files
Self-awareness & Emotional Intelligence
The Ethics of Using AI in Academic Assignments: A Professors’ Perspective
As professors observing the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in education, we have seen both the opportunities and the risks associated with its use in student assignments. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can assist with research, generate ideas, and help students clarify complex concepts. However, using AI unethically, submitting AI-generated work as one's own undermines academic integrity and the very purpose of learning.
Unethical use of AI in assignments is essentially a form of plagiarism. When students allow AI to generate an essay, solution, or report without proper acknowledgment, they misrepresent the work as their own. This PG academic standards and deprives the student of critical learning experiences, such as developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication. Moreover, it can create unfair advantages over peers who complete their work independently, eroding trust in the educational system.
The consequences extend beyond the classroom. Habits formed by unethical AI use may carry over into professional life, poor judgement on shortcuts rather than cultivating competence and judgment. Employers value critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that cannot be genuinely acquired through dishonest practices (Sen, 2024).
Yet AI does not need to be avoided entirely. Ethical use of AI in assignments means leveraging it to enhance understanding, not to replace personal effort. For instance, students can use AI to generate research ideas, summarize complex readings, or clarify difficult concepts. AI-generated content should be appropriately cited, and students should critically evaluate and refine the material. The goal is to integrate AI as a supplement to learning, not as a substitute.
Another ethical practice is to use AI to improve the drafting process rather than producing final submissions. Students can experiment with AI suggestions, revise and expand on them, and ensure that the final work reflects their reasoning and voice. In doing so, AI becomes a partner in learning rather than a shortcut to bypass it.
Educators also play a key role in guiding students toward responsible AI use. Establishing clear policies on what constitutes acceptable use, providing instruction on proper citation of AI tools, and fostering a culture that values learning over mere output are essential steps. By combining guidance with practical strategies, students can benefit from AI while maintaining integrity. While Purdue Global prides themselves on their Course Leads as subject matter experts to generate the curriculum, it is imperative that instructors provide clear guidance to ensure the responsible integration of AI in their classrooms. [MG2]
In conclusion, using AI unethically in assignments undermines both personal growth and the integrity of academic institutions. Ethical AI use, on the other hand, empowers students to enhance their understanding, develop critical skills, and responsibly navigate the digital tools of the modern world. By approaching AI as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut, students honor the true purpose of education and prepare themselves for lifelong success.
Written by:
Julie Dort & Mimi Gough
Sen, J. (2024b, December 19). Problem-solving skills: Problem solving skills in the workplace.
PREZENTIUM. https://prezentium.com/problem-solving-skills
Travel & Hospitality
World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, 2025, is an occasion to recognize the significance of travel and tourism. This day highlights how tourism bridges diverse cultures and supports local economies. There are many events and activities held globally on this day that aim to highlight the benefits of tourism while promoting responsible travel. By participating in World Tourism Day 2025 it’s an excellent opportunity to discover the positive impact of tourism and its role in uniting people and to learn how tourism contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which advocates for reducing poverty, generating employment, fostering innovation and shaping a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector worldwide (UN Tourism, n.d.). The organization has 160 Member States and over 500 companies, educational and research institutions, destinations and other affiliates and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain (UN Tourism, n.d.). They are focused on product development and also provide resources to support accessibility for visitors with disabilities so they can access tourism facilities, products, and services which is a central part of any responsible and sustainable tourism policy (UN Tourism, n.d.).
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is committed to fostering knowledge, education, and capacity building by assisting countries in assessing and addressing their educational and training needs and facilitating networks for knowledge exchange (UN Tourism, n.d.). The organization works to enhance the competitiveness of its members by generating and sharing knowledge, and promoting excellence in various aspects of tourism, including statistics, market trends, sustainability, marketing, product expansion, and crisis management.
In 2025, the theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” underscores the critical role that tourism plays and emphasizes the power of tourism to bring about positive change for communities, to preserve and protect the environment and to support cultural diversity (Modak, 2025). The official event will be held in Melaka, Malaysia, and will feature a variety of presentations focused on developing tourism that is sustainable with highlights to include cultural performances, art exhibits and street festivals to celebrate Malaysia’s varied heritage (Modak, 2025). Tourists will also be treated to the crafts and traditions as well as the food and music of the country through local artists, artisans, and performers (Modak, 2025). Alongside the main event, organizations and regions worldwide will host activities that highlight the connections between tourism, justice, sustainability, and cultural heritage including exhibitions and meaningful discussions that will span the day from Malaysia to Italy, and Japan to Portugal (Modak, 2025).
To learn more about UN Tourism, their focus and resources, check out their website. Additionally, if you are interested in Purdue Global’s Hospitality Sustainability Concentration check out the course offerings.
Co-Authors: Mimi Gough and Julie Dort
References
Modak, S. (2025, July 27). What’s your plan on September 27th as a travel enthusiast? Your
Ultimate Guide to World Tourism Day events in Melaka, Rome, Tokyo, and more – don’t
miss it! Travel And Tour World. \
https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/whats-your-plan-on-september-27th-as
-a-travel-enthusiast-your-ultimate-guide-to-world-tourism-day-events-in-melaka-rome-to
Rakshitha. (2024, August 28). World Tourism Day 2024: Celebrating global travel.
VEDANTU.https://www.vedantu.com/blog/world-tourism-day
UN Tourism: Bringing the world closer. World Tourism Day - 2024 | Tourism and Peace.
(n.d.). https://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day-2024
World Tourism Conference Location 2025-Melaka, Malaysia
Communication Fundamentals
Business Fundamentals
IT Fundamentals
Page updated
Report abuse