8 Guidelines on AI Tool Use in Coursework
Violations of academic integrity standards include using AI tools to generate assignment-related content and submitting it as one’s own original work, as well as copying and/or paraphrasing the content generated from AI tools without proper citations or without permission by instructors.
In this course, AI tools are viewed as an academic aid, not unlike a study group or tutor. Used wisely, they can challenge your thinking and help refine your ideas (in the spirit of a “Socratic opponent” as encouraged by Carleton University’s AI report). Here’s how to use AI ethically and effectively:
- Creative Collaboration: You may use AI for brainstorming or as a starting point for assignments.
- Transparency is Key: If you incorporate AI assistance, report how you used it following the AI Etiquette Declaration framework. This provides transparency and helps the teaching team provide effective, relevant, and useful feedback.
- Originality Matters: Direct AI outputs aren’t substitutes for your analysis or argumentation. They should support, not replace, your original work.
- Cite All Sources: Just like any other source, AI-generated content must be cited in APA format.
- Open Communication: If you’re unsure about the proper use of AI, we’re here to help. Reach out rather than risk misuse.
We’re not AI detectives; our goal is to support your learning journey. Use AI as one of many tools in your academic toolkit, ensuring it enhances rather than replaces your scholarly engagement.
AI Etiquette Declaration Framework
In any document you submit, right before the references section, you must include an “AI Etiquette Declaration” heading that includes a statement of AI use. Students should use the following framework:
- If you did not use AI at all, say so. Otherwise,
- State which AI tool helped you, when, and how.
- Describe the specific actions it took to help.
- State how this helped you.
Here’s an example:
This blog post was written in collaboration with ChatGPT Model 4o (May, 2024), which was utilized as an AI-powered writing assistant to enhance and refine my blog post in the following ways:
- Provided valuable feedback on the structure, clarity, and coherence of my initial draft.
- Helped to smooth transitions between sections.
- Streamlined content for better readability.
- Incorporated practical suggestions.
- Addressed potential criticisms constructively.
- Ensured that my blog effectively communicated the transformative potential of AI in education.
- Maintained a professional and engaging tone.
This collaboration helped me present my ideas more clearly and compellingly.