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Artificial Intelligence in Education

AI in the Syllabus

There are three very broad approaches to take when considering the use of AI in your classes:

Zero Tolerance Policy - Ban AI use from your course. (Not a practical or realistic approach.)

Open Use Policy - Anything goes, use as you will.

Directed Use - Guide students in the acceptable use of AI in your course.

Whichever approach you choose, your policy should be clearly stated in your syllabus. The box below has a link to syllabus AI policies from around the world (mostly US).

Classroom Policies for AI Generative Tools

Marian University does not currently (Spring 2023) have a standard AI policy. The following link is for a Google Doc with sample AI syllabus policies you can use for inspiration and guidance in creating your own policy.

Suggested AI Syllabus Statements

Below are four suggested statements that can be used "as-is" or with modifications to suit your class.

Use Prohibited

Students are not allowed to use advanced automated tools (artificial intelligence or machine learning tools such as ChatGPT or Dall-E 2) on assignments in this course. Each student is expected to complete each assignment without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools.

Use only with prior permission

Students are allowed to use advanced automated tools (artificial intelligence or machine learning tools such as ChatGPT or Dall-E 2) on assignments in this course if instructor permission is obtained in advance. Unless given permission to use those tools, each student is expected to complete each assignment without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools.

Use only with acknowledgment

Students are allowed to use advanced automated tools (artificial intelligence or machine learning tools such as ChatGPT or Dall-E 2) on assignments in this course if that use is properly documented and credited. For example, text generated using ChatGPT-3 should include a citation such as: “Chat-GPT-3. (YYYY, Month DD of query). “Text of your query.” Generated using OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com/” Material generated using other tools should follow a similar citation convention.

Source: Modified from https://sites.udel.edu/ctal/advanced-automated-tools/#syllabus-language

Another Syllabus Statement

ChatGPT/AI Use in the Classroom: This policy is intended to encourage students to use artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT in ways that will facilitate their learning and to teach students ethical uses of these tools.

1.   ChatGPT/AI is a powerful tool that can be used to assist students in their learning process. It can provide initial answers to questions, help clarify concepts, and provide resources and suggestions for further study. However, ChatGPT/AI is not a substitute for human interaction or critical thinking. Students must use tools like ChatGPT with caution and be mindful of its limitations as well as the ethics of its use. Students are expected to use ChatGPT/AI as a tool to support their learning, actively engage with course material (e.g. assigned readings) and to use ChatGPT/AI as a tool to supplement, rather than replace, their own efforts.

2.   Misuse of ChatGPT/AI, such as copying answers without understanding the material or relying on it too heavily, is academic dishonesty that can result in poor performance on assignments and exams, can harm the student's critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and may result in loss of credit and other sanctions. Any evidence of cheating, plagiarism, misuse of ChatGPT/AI, or other academic dishonesty will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action.

3.   The instructor reserves the right to monitor and regulate the use of ChatGPT/AI in the classroom to ensure that it is used in a manner that is consistent with the policies outlined above. By enrolling in this course, students agree to abide by this policy and to use ChatGPT and other AI in a manner that supports their learning and academic success.

Source: Amanda C. Egan, Ph.D., Chair & Asst. Professor, Marian University