10 Ways to Address AI Tools at Colleges and Universities

Universities frequently debate using artificial intelligence in the classroom - but perhaps more so recently than before with the creation of ChatGPT. 

ChatGPT is a highly intuitive and extensively trained artificial intelligence program developed in late 2022, and it can write essays, code, converse, and even, pass the law school exam.

Some institutions have argued artificial intelligence has no place in higher education and it diminishes the integrity of student work, and have even taken the step to ban Chat GPT following its recent creation.

A step short of banning it, other institutions have decided to restrict its use and access on their computers on-site.

Others in higher education, however, have come to the conclusion that artificial intelligence - or AI - is here to stay. 

With this realization, we take a look at effective ways to integrate it into the classroom for both students and faculty. Here are some strategies for integrating AI, like ChatGBT, into your institution:

1. Educate students and faculty on the ethical use of AI technology, including ChatGPT, in academic settings. This can be through email student communications, on social media, or by addressing it at the beginning of lectures. Don't leave students wondering how they can use it.

2. Develop guidelines and policies for using ChatGPT in academic work, and ensure students and faculty understand these with the opportunity to ask questions and continue the conversation outside of the classroom.

3. Ensure any guidelines and policies are published on the university website, in the student handbook, the course catalog, and syllabi, and available in alternative formats.

   
   
4. Discuss expectations for academic integrity, and remind students of the university’s policies. Indicate that using these tools to autocomplete work is academically dishonest, violates the university policies (if they do so), and may result in various repercussions, such as academic suspension or dismissal.
   
   
5. Use ChatGPT to support learning and academic achievement. Rather than as a replacement for papers, essays, quizzes, and other assignments, look at how it can optimize them. For example, ChatGPT could provide personalized feedback and support to students, rather than as a tool for generating entire papers or exams.
   
   
6. Incorporate critical thinking and ethical reasoning into the curriculum to help students develop the skills and habits needed to use ChatGPT and other AI technology responsibly.
   
   
7. Stress copyright, citations, and referencing sources. Currently, one of the pitfalls of ChatGPT is that it produces poor source attribution generation.
   
   
8. Reference current events or discussions in your field. AI uses algorithms and historical search data so it may not have the most up-to-date insights or details. 
   
   
9. Ask students to reflect on how the assignment relates to their knowledge or personal experience.
   
   
10. Discuss with students how using tools like ChatGBT sometimes sabotages the learning process and undermines why they are enrolled in the class, pursuing a degree, and getting an education.