Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use in the Classroom

The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) presents several opportunities and challenges to higher education, but its immediate impact on classroom pedagogy cannot be ignored. This document lays out a definition of generative AI, presents an analogy for how to think about its use in student work, and lays out three possible syllabus policy templates that Marshall University professors can use as a starting point (and modify as needed) in their courses.

What is artificial intelligence and what is generative artificial intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (or AI) is an algorithm that makes probabilistic predictions based on existing data sets.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (or “Generative AI”) refers to machine learning that analyzes patterns and structures in existing data to produce new content such as text, computer code, images, videos, and more.

How should we think about Generative AI as it relates to academic work?

Most citation styles, including APA and Chicago, suggest we think about and cite generative AI as personal communication. It is like talking to a friend (note: who may or may not be accurate). In the absence of a clear policy on the use of generative AI, a student should treat it like receiving assistance from another person. It is always best to consult with the professor if there is ambiguity, but the question is this: is the student allowed to consult with another person for this type of help?

If yes, then using generative AI is also permitted.
If not, then using generative AI is a form of academic dishonesty in violation of Marshall’s Academic Dishonesty Policy (URL: https://www.marshall.edu/academic-affairs/policies/#academicdishonesty)

Because generative AI can be used in so many ways in academic work, instructors are encouraged to be explicit about how and when it may be used on assignments in their courses. For information on citing AI, please see MU Library’s citation website (URL: https://libguides.marshall.edu/plagiarism-AI/cite).

Here are three generative AI syllabus templates instructors may use as a starting place when drafting a syllabus policy.

Generative AI Syllabus Policy Templates

Option 1: Open Use – Generative AI is permitted/encouraged in the course with proper attribution.

Students are allowed, and even encouraged, to use Generative AI on any assignment in this course with the appropriate citation. Keep in mind that any content produced by generative AI can “hallucinate” (produce false information), so students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of any AI-generated content. For information on citing AI, please see MU Library’s citation website (URL: https://libguides.marshall.edu/plagiarism-AI/cite). Students should not use generative AI in any way that would violate the Student Code of Conduct (URL: https://www.marshall.edu/student-conduct/).

See individual assignment instructions for more details.

Metacognitive Reflection. In addition to a proper citation, the student should include the following statement with any assignment where generative AI is used for assistance.

“I used generative AI [INSERT NAME OF PLATFORM, SUCH AS CHAT GPT] for assistance in the following ways on this assignment: [INSERT WAYS USED, such as brainstorming, citation assistance, grammar and style checking, concept understanding, and research assistance, etc.].”

Option 2: Moderate Use – Generative AI is permitted/encouraged in some ways, with proper attribution, but prohibited in other ways.

Students are allowed, and even encouraged, to use Generative AI in some ways but are prohibited from using it in other ways Keep in mind that any content produced by generative AI can “hallucinate” (produce false information), so students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of any AI-generated content. For information on citing AI, please see MU Library’s citation website (URL: https://libguides.marshall.edu/plagiarism-AI/cite). Students should not use generative AI in any way that would violate the Student Code of Conduct (URL: https://www.marshall.edu/student-conduct/).

Students are permitted and encouraged to use generative AI in the following ways:

Brainstorming: You may use generative AI to stimulate creativity, generate ideas, or brainstorm topics for papers, presentations, and discussions. The generated content must serve as a stepping stone, not a final product.
Citation Assistance: AI tools can be used to manage, format, and organize citations and references, promoting adherence to academic writing standards and specific style guides required for individual assignments.
Grammar and Style Checking: AI-powered writing enhancement tools may be used to help with spelling, grammar, syntax, and stylistic errors.
Concept Understanding: Generative AI can be used to explain or simulate concepts taught in class, aiding in a deeper understanding.
Research Assistance: AI can be used to conduct initial research, compile data, and summarize articles, books, or papers. It should not replace traditional research methods but rather enhance them.
[ADD/REMOVE/MODIFY AS NEEDED]

You may not use generative AI in coursework in the following ways:

Plagiarism: Using AI-generated content as your original work without attribution. This includes essays, papers, presentations, and exam answers.
Data Manipulation: Using AI tools to alter data or create misleading information.
Misrepresentation of Skills: Using generative AI to complete tasks that are meant to assess your knowledge and skills.
Confidentiality Breach: Using AI tools that might violate university policies or laws related to data privacy and confidentiality.
[ADD/REMOVE/MODIFY AS NEEDED]

See individual assignment instructions for more details.

Metacognitive Reflection. In addition to a proper citation, the student should include the following statement with any assignment where generative AI is used for assistance.

“I used generative AI platform [INSERT NAME OF PLATFORM, SUCH AS CHAT GPT] for assistance in the following ways on this assignment: [INSERT WAYS USED, such as brainstorming, citation assistance, grammar and style checking, concept understanding, and research assistance, etc.].”

Option 3: Prohibited Use – Generative AI is fully prohibited in the course.

Students are prohibited from using generative AI in any way on any assignment in this course. The use of generative AI in this course will be considered a violation of both Marshall’s Academic Dishonesty Policy (URL: https://www.marshall.edu/academic-affairs/policies/#academicdishonesty) and the Student Code of Conduct (URL: https://www.marshall.edu/student-conduct/). [ESTABLISH SANCTION]