Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning
Navigating AI in Student Learning: Ethical Use and Instructional Strategies Workshop
AI tools like ChatGPT have become integrated into student learning processes, particularly for thinking and writing tasks. Students frequently turn to AI for support in brainstorming, drafting, and editing. A complete ban on AI usage may lead to covert use. It’s more effective to be proactive and transparent in your approach.
Presenter
Gregory Cassiere
Adjunct Instructor and Clinical Supervisor
Section 1: What Educators Can Do
Educators play a pivotal role in shaping responsible AI use by:
- Maintaining open and ongoing conversations with students about AI capabilities and limitations.
- Framing AI misuse as a teachable moment rather than a cause for punishment.
- Teaching and reinforcing critical thinking skills so students can determine when and how to use AI responsibly.
Section 2: Establishing Clear Guidelines
Students need explicit, written expectations to understand what is acceptable regarding AI tool usage.
Practical Strategies:
- Include an “AI Use Policy” in your course syllabus.
- Require students to include an AI disclosure statement with each assignment submission.
- Example: “This paper was outlined using ChatGPT and then rewritten in my own words by me.”
- Provide clear, side-by-side examples of permitted vs. prohibited uses of AI tools.
Sample Class Policy Language:
Students are permitted to use AI tools for brainstorming or developing conceptual frameworks. However, all final drafts must be their original work.
Any AI use must be clearly disclosed. Failure to disclose AI usage will be treated as a violation of the academic integrity policy.
Section 3: Designing AI-Resistant Assignments
Reduce reliance on AI by designing tasks that emphasize original thought, creativity, and personal engagement.
Ideas for Human-Centered Assignments:
- Ask students to incorporate personal reflections or real-life experiences—areas where AI struggles to generate authentic content.
- Use project-based learning formats:
- Create a short video, infographic, or audio story.
- Submit multiple drafts and revisions, with voice memos explaining their thinking process.
- Connect assignments to class discussions or local, current events.
- Include data interpretation or text analysis based on specific course materials.
If Allowing AI: Integrate It Purposefully
“Use AI to get ideas. Then explain your decisions—what you kept, modified, or discarded, and why.”
