Course Policy on the use of Generative AI Tools

in Policies
Policy

I am quite aware that most LLM chat tools (ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, etc.) can write completely reasonable responses to the prompts. They tend to be a bit generic and wordy, which means that reading them uses up the time.

It is a waste of a grader’s time (or your discussion partners’ time) to read a GenAI response to a discussion prompt. We all know that the tools can generate reasonable responses without very much prompt engineering work (even I was able to get Co-Pilot to generate reasonable responses to the prompts)! By turning in generated answers, you are wasting others’ time.

That said, I do appreciate that there are legitimate uses of the tools. One might use it to correct their grammar, or to rephrase something more clearly, or to generate ideas that that a (human student) writer expands on. The line between helpful tool and replacement for work is hazy.

The general rule of thumb for me is: treat an LLM like another student. You can talk to them or get help from them, but you can’t have them do your assignments for you.

Here is an initial policy:

  1. Students are resposible for what they turn in. If some helper (automated or otherwise) gives you bad advice, it is on you.
  2. Students must not take credit for things they did not do. If ChatGPT (or another person) wrote your answer, you cannot claim it as your own work.
  3. Students must disclose the tools they use, how they used them, and why.
  4. Students must not use GenAI tools in situations where I specifically ask them not to (including discussion, seek and find, and survey/quiz prompts).
  5. Students should not use GenAI tools to generate the complete response.
  6. Tools should be an assistant in your learning, not a replacement for your efforts.
  7. If you are in doubt, ask the course staff.

Some things I looked at (I used a Google search to try to find examples and background material)…

  1. Boston University CDS Generative AI Assistance (GAIA) Policy. This one is interesting because it was created as a class project in an ethics class.
  2. Craig Ball Policy for Student Use of AI. Texas professor, found by a web search.
  3. USC’s Instructor Guidelines for Student Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Academic Work. A

Copilot’s version

I asked Copilot “Write a policy for a graduate level computer science class on the use of generative AI tools in the assignments”.

Its response is quite good, so I include it here. I was tempted to just use it.

Policy on the Use of Generative AI Tools in Assignments (from Co-Pilot)

  1. Purpose of AI Tools: Generative AI tools can be used to assist in understanding concepts, generating ideas, and automating repetitive tasks. However, they should not replace the student’s own critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the subject matter.

  2. Original Work: All submitted assignments must be the original work of the student. While AI tools can be used for assistance, the final submission should reflect the student’s understanding and application of the course material.

  3. Citation: If a generative AI tool is used in the creation of an assignment, it should be appropriately cited. This includes mentioning the tool used and a brief description of how it was used.

  4. Ethical Use: AI tools should be used ethically and responsibly. Any use of these tools to generate inappropriate or offensive content is strictly prohibited.

  5. Fair Use: The use of AI tools should not give an unfair advantage to some students over others. Therefore, if a student wishes to use a proprietary AI tool that is not freely available to all students, they must seek approval from the course instructor.

  6. Transparency: Students should be transparent about their use of AI tools. If asked, students should be able to explain how they used the AI tool in their assignment and how much of the work was generated by the tool.

  7. Learning Objective: The primary objective of assignments is to facilitate learning. Therefore, the use of AI tools should not undermine this objective. If the use of an AI tool bypasses the learning process, it is not appropriate.

Please note that failure to adhere to this policy may result in academic penalties. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or the use of a specific AI tool, please contact the course instructor.

GenAI Disclosure:

I used Copilot to generate the sample resonse in the “Copilot’s version” section.