Explore practical and ethical ways to use AI for academic work, and how you can improve your research, writing, and learning while preserving academic integrity.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how students learn about research, writing, and learning. AI tools can assist with generating new ideas, organizing ideas, and generating (or revising) your writing. However, responsible use of AI tools in academic work will define if and how you will be using it ethically. Responsible use means you need to know how and when to use AI, and also why, in order to improve your learning without crossing ethical lines.
If you are thinking about how to responsibly use AI as you pursue your academic journey along with your educational goals, then you can use this guide to think through AI in a thoughtful and transparent way.
1. Be Familiar with Your School’s AI Policy
Before using an AI tool be sure to check with your school or university regarding policy on that use. This is important because some teachers may allow their students to use AI during the writing process for brainstorming and editing, whereas others may have prohibited its use altogether in the assigned projects. If you are uncertain of your schools policies, just ask your instructor! Following your school or university policies will help reduce the possibility of unintentional plagiarism or academic dishonesty!
2. Use AI as a Resource not as a Substitute
AI can be a great resource for creating ideas, summarizing articles, or improving grammar. But AI should definitely not be something you rely on instead of your own thinking or writing. When you are learning, you should use technologies (like AI and other artificial intelligence) as tools to help you learn, just as you would use a calculator or a spell checker, rather than to help you complete your assignments! You will get better understanding and develop skills!
3. Be Transparent and Give Credit
If you are employing AI to support your research, writing or brainstorming, acknowledge it. First, identify the AI tool you used and explain how you used it as part of your assignment or bibliography. Many educators and journals are requiring students to indicate the use of AI, so similar to indicating a book or website source, just be honest, and you will build trust, maintain academic integrity, and preserve the purpose of academic work.
4. Double-Check AI Output for Accuracy
AI has the potential to give outdated, incorrect, or biased information at times. The next important thing to pay attention to is always fact-check the information AI generates. At the bare minimum, cross-reference that information against trusted sources, such as textbooks, peer-reviewed academic journals, official websites. Don't assume that AI is right - critical thinking is still important!
5. Protect Your Privacy
Exercise caution when using any AI tool that stores its data or uses it for further training to allow subsequent AI users to access it. Think carefully about the data being shared, provided, or uploaded to any AI tool. When you use tools that might use or store your data, do not upload the complete material for an assignment, personal information, or confidential research or material in general. When using a tool, be sure to read its privacy policy and your school technology policy if you are unsure.
6. Use AI for Brainstorming and Outlining
AI is helpful for overcoming writer's block or structuring your thoughts. Try using it to generate possible topics for an essay, draft an outline, or suggest ways to structure your argument. It can help you get started, but ultimately make sure the work reflects your own voice and ideas.
7. Don’t Use AI for Final Drafts or Exams
Positions of AI-generated content as your own—especially for your final essays, take-home tests and personal reflections crossed the line into academic dishonesty. These assignments are meant to assess YOUR understanding, not the output of an AI tool. AI can also be a useful means of additional support, just do the work!
8. Cite AI Tools Properly
If your instructor allows the use of AI, check what type of citation style to use (APA, MLA, or Chicago currently have guidelines for AI-generated content). Don't forget to include the name of the tool, the version of the tool, and the date you used it. When in doubt, ask your teacher how they would like AI cited.
9. Think Critically About Bias and Limitations
AI tools are trained on pre-existing data, which means they could towards a bias or biases. Know that, particularly when researching sensitive topics. Use AI alongside other sources and apply your judgment and view to your process.
10. Ask for Guidance When Unsure
If you're ever uncertain about using AI in any capacity for an assignment, seek out your teacher or academic advisor. They will clarify expectations and help you to make decisions that are good for your learning and academic integrity.
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