Ethical use of AI tools in your learning and education - GIHE guidelines

Following the launch of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, the Glion Institute of Higher Education (GIHE) has adapted its policies and teaching practices. The Library & Information Services and Learning Support team has produced the following guidance for students on the ethical use of AI tools in their academic work.

When using generative AI tools, you should behave ethically by adhering to the following key points:

Transparency: Identify if you are authorized to use AI tools in your academic work and courses. Always refer to the Project Outline and if unsure, ask your lecturer. If you can use AI tools for your academic work, be transparent about it.

Authenticity: Ensure that any content generated using AI is clearly identified as such and does not mislead others into thinking it is your own original work. Give proper credit to AI-generated content – see here for more details on the APA format. According to GIHE rules, an appendix needs to be included after your reference list. You should detail your inputs to the AI tools, as well as a brief description of how you have used the AI tools – whether generative AI, translation, or paraphrasing tools. Always follow the instructions of the relevant faculty member.

Academic integrity: Familiarize yourself with GIHE’s policy as well as with the principles of Academic Integrity. Avoid using AI to engage in plagiarism or cheating, and always cite and credit sources appropriately, whether they are human or AI-generated. Uphold academic integrity by using AI tools to enhance your learning and understanding, rather than attempting to gain an unfair advantage in assessments and assignments.

Data privacy: Be cautious about sharing personal or sensitive information with AI tools. Make sure you understand the privacy and data collection policies of the tools and platforms you use. If you have concerns about data privacy, seek clarification from the tool or platform provider.

Bias awareness: Be vigilant about the potential biases in AI-generated content, both in terms of information and language. Be critical of AI outputs and take steps to identify and correct them or seek guidance from your lecturers or the support teams on how to handle biased content.

Ethical use of AI outputs: You are responsible for collecting and using data for your academic work. If authorized, use AI-generated content both:
– responsibly: by making sure you have the right to use or modify any AI-generated materials and respecting copyright and intellectual property rights.
– and ethically: by not creating or disseminating content that promotes hate speech, discrimination, or any form of harm.

Inclusivity: Make sure that AI-generated contents are accessible to all, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. Encourage your peers in the fair and equitable use of AI tools.

Continuous learning: Be curious and educate yourself on the responsible use of AI tools and their potential impacts. Stay informed about the latest development in AI technology, as well as ethical considerations and best practices surrounding the use of AI tools in education. Be open to learning how to use these AI tools responsibly as they rapidly evolve.

Accountability: Take responsibility for your use of AI tools. Understand the implications of using such tools and be prepared to explain your choices to your lecturers or academic authorities if required.

Advocacy for ethical use: If you witness unethical AI use among your peers, encourage ethical behaviour and engage in conversations about responsible use of AI tools with your peers, lecturers, or support teams. Be courageous and report misconduct to the relevant authorities at GIHE to maintain a fair and ethical learning environment.

To sum up, behaving ethically when using generative AI tools will enhance your learning experience while upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and integrity in your academic work. It will also help ensure that you contribute to a positive and ethical academic environment as part of our GIHE community.