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Artificial Intelligence

AI Resources for Faculty

Recommendations for Addressing AI in the Classroom

  • Include a definition of AI.
  • Explain how AI may be used with set parameters and what types of AI may or may not be allowed (ChatGPT for outline creation, Grammarly or spellcheckers.)
  • Remind students of use or prohibition of AI in assignment description.

Ways to Design Your Coursework Around AI

  • Scaffolding assignments, must turn in one part at a time before the next parts open.
  • Include an AI contract that students sign per class. This can be assigned in Canvas for students to complete before accessing coursework.
  • Benchmark writing assignments for writing and analysis based classes.
  • Limit sources to what can be obtained by the instructor (articles provided by you, OER materials, Fletcher Library resources).
  • Require URL links for online resources and websites for assignment to be eligible for full points.
  • Assign readings/videos/instruction outside of class time and reserve in-class time for activities and 

Example Policies

The following example policies are used by Ginny Chaisson, Fletcher Liberal Arts & Humanities Department Head, and all English instructors must include one of these policies in their syllabus. This direction is given with approval of the Dean of BEAMS.

Restrictive Policy: Limited Use of AI

AI tools, including text generators (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, and other AI-powered applications), are not permitted for use on any graded assignments, including essays, drafts, or peer reviews.
Rationale: The goal is to ensure that all submitted work reflects the student’s independent thinking and writing skills without external assistance. Violations will be treated as academic dishonesty and subject to institutional policies.
Permitted Uses:
  - Spelling and grammar checks in non-AI-enhanced tools like MS Word’s spellcheck.
  - Explicit instructor approval for using any additional tools in specific assignments.

Moderate Policy: Guided Use of AI

AI tools may be used for brainstorming, outlining ideas, or improving grammar and style; however, all submitted work must be primarily written and developed by the student. Misuse of AI to generate entire essays, responses, or large sections of work is prohibited.
Rationale: The objective is to strike a balance between leveraging modern tools for support and ensuring authentic student learning.
Permitted Uses:
  - Brainstorming ideas for topics and outlines.
  - Refining grammar, sentence structure, or word choice after the initial draft.
  - Learning through AI feedback by comparing suggestions to original writing.
Prohibited Uses:
  - Generating complete essays or responses.
  - Submitting AI-generated content without revision or attribution.
  - Plagiarism or misrepresentation of AI-generated text as personal work.
Note: Students must disclose if they have used AI and include a brief reflection on how it contributed to their work.

Progressive Policy: Integrated AI Learning

AI tools are encouraged for use in the writing process to foster digital literacy and enhance learning outcomes. Students must critically evaluate AI contributions and cite its usage where applicable.
Rationale: This policy acknowledges the role of AI in the modern workplace and education, aiming to teach students responsible and ethical use of technology.
Permitted Uses:
  - Brainstorming ideas and creating outlines.
  - Drafting and revising essays with AI assistance.
  - Learning citation formats or verifying factual information.
  - Experimenting with AI-generated suggestions to refine arguments or style.
Requirements:
  - Explicit acknowledgment of AI usage in a brief reflection or footnote.
  - Students must submit an AI-generated draft alongside their final version for comparison and transparency.
Prohibited Uses:
  - Blindly accepting AI suggestions without critical engagement.
  - Using AI to complete assignments without personal input.

 

The following Google document contains 100+ examples of syllabus AI policies from various courses and college levels, compiled by Lance Eaton: Syllabus Policies for AI Generative Tools

For any questions about plagiarism, please consult any of the librarians in the Fletcher Library. 

Applications of AI in higher education

The following chart maps out how different AI may be utilized for use in designing coursework around the inclusion of AI to help enrich and expand content. In most areas, ChatGPT has been used in place for example.

 

Role Description Example of Implementation
Possibility engine AI generates alternative ways of expressing an idea Students write queries in ChatGPT and use the Regenerate response function to examine alternative responses.
Socratic opponent AI acts as an opponent to develop and argument Students enter prompts into ChatGPT following the structure of a conversation or debate.
Collaboration coach AI helps groups to research and solve problems together Working in groups, students use ChatGPT to find out information to complete tasks and assignments.
Guide on the side AI acts as a uide to navigate physical and conceptual spaces Teachers use ChatGPT to help generate content for classes/courses (e.g., discussion question) and advice on how to support students in learning specific concepts.
Personal Tutor AI tutors each student and gives immediate feedback on progress ChatGPT provides personalized feedback to students based on information provided by students or teachers from assessments or critiques.
Co-designer AI assists throughout the design process Teachers ask ChatGPT for ideas about designing or updating a curriculum (e.g., rubrics for assessment) and/or focus on specific goals (e.g., how to make a curriculum more accessible).
Exploratorium AI provides tools to play with, explore and interpret data Teachers provide basic information to students who write different queries in CatGPT to find out more. ChatGPT can be used to support language learning.
Study buddy AI helps the student reflect on learning material Students explain their current level or understanding to ChatGPT and ask for ways to help them study the material. ChatGPT could also be used to help students prepare for other tasks (e.g., job interviews).
Motivator AI offers games and challenges to extend learning Teachers or students ask ChatGPT for ideas about how to extend students' learning after providing a summary of the current level of knowledge (e.g., quizzes, exercises).
Dynamic assessor AI provides educators with a profile of each student's current knowledge Students interact with ChatGPT in a tutorial-type dialogue and then ask ChatGPT to produce a summary of their current state of knowledge to share with their teacher/for assessment.

 

[Adapted for accessibility from source: UNESCO, ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence in higher education, 2023]