What should I include in my Generative AI syllabus policy?

What should I include in my Generative AI syllabus policy?

What should I include in my Generative Artificial Intelligence syllabus policy?

The complex nature of Artificial Intelligence (AI) means syllabi statements regarding its use have to be comprehensive in order to properly address many new concerns that could arise from their inclusion in a course. 

Generative AI Policy Components

The list below recommends important areas for faculty to expand on, as well as provides key questions to help guide policy reflection and decision-making. 

1. AI permission and justification

a.      Are students allowed to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? 

b.      What is the instructor’s motivation for their policy?

c.       If AI use is permitted, is it required?

 

2. Student AI use explanation


d.      In what ways can AI be used to complete coursework?

e.      Are there guidelines or limitations for AI use?

f.        Where can students locate AI use explanations?

 

3. AI platform recommendation

g.       Which AI platforms can students use?  Are there any best-suited for a particular discipline/field of study?

h.      Are there AI platforms learners should avoid?

i.        Are the suggested AI tools free, require an account, or subscription-based?

 

4. Approaches to transparency

j.        How will students share their AI interactions with an instructor?

k.       Where can students find directions for sharing?


5. Instructor AI use

l.        How will the instructor be using AI to support course development?

m.    How will the instructor inform students AI-generated material is being used?


6. AI-enhanced evaluation

n.      Will the instructor be using AI to evaluate student work?

o.      What is the instructor’s justification for this approach?

p.      What AI tool will be used to evaluate student work?

q.      How does the AI tool use and retain uploaded material? 

r.     Does the instructor upload anonymized student coursework?

                 s.      Can a student opt out of having their work submitted to an AI tool?


7. AI detector use

v.       Which AI detection tool will be used to assess student work?

w.     How does the AI detector report suspected AI-generated content?

x.       Does the  AI tool allow a user to prevent a model from training on their data? 

y.        How does the AI tool use and retain uploaded material? 

z.     Does the instructor upload anonymized student coursework?

                 aa.      Can a student opt out of having their work submitted to an AI tool?

8. Academic integrity violations

bb.  According to the results of the AI detection tool, what are the benchmarks that determine an academic integrity violation has occurred?

cc.  What are the next steps after an instructor has determined an instance of academic integrity violation has taken place?

Additional Information

For more than 100 syllabi policy examples from other institutions, visit Lance Eaton's AI syllabi policy spreadsheet.




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