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Using Generative AI: A Guide for Students

This guide is for students interested in responsible use of generative AI in academic work. It covers deciding if/when to use AI tools in academic work, prompt writing, citing AI, and ethical considerations of AI tools so students can engage thoughtfully

Large Language Model (LLM) Considerations

This H5P object was created by Rebecca Sweetman and is available via a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA license.

AI in Classroom: Values-based Decision Making

A Short Guide to Values-based Decision Making for AI in the Classroom

AI raises ethical questions for those who create AI systems, those who implement AI in professional settings, and those who engage with AI in teaching and learning settings. 

Standards for ethical development and use of AI have not yet been developed, and there is not yet a clear ethical framework to dictate ethical AI practice. However, for students, acting in alignment with personal values, university values, and professors' values can support ethical decision-making and responsible use of AI in class. This guide walks you through some considerations and suggests strategies for being transparent if/when you use AI in your classes.

1. Use values-based decision making to consider how to responsibly use AI.  

  • Consider your own values.   

    • Which of your personal values relate to AI? For example, do you value learning and academic achievement? Are you concerned about receiving inaccurate or biased information from an AI source that might affect your success in the classroom? Does using AI help you build on or process your own ideas? Do you value efficiency, using AI to reduce the amount of time you spend on assignments?  

  • Consider the university’s values.

    • MSU has clear guidelines for academic integrity that are outlined in our Code of Student Conduct. Although AI is a new technology, its use should still align with expectations of academic integrity.

    • The university values student learning, and it expects students to “be responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, the appropriate citation of sources, and the respect and recognition of others' academic endeavors” (Code of Student Conduct, Section 200.00). 

  • Consider your professors’ values.

    • Talk with your professors about AI. Make sure your professor approves the use of AI for homework and studying, and talk with them about their expectations of students who would like to use AI as a tool. 

    • This resource from the Center for Faculty Excellence provides information about how the university and your professors may be thinking about AI. 

  • Once you have considered your own values, the university’s values, and your professors’ values, you can make values-informed decisions about when and how to use AI in your classes and build a mutual understanding about what responsible AI use means in the context of the classroom and student learning. 

2. Be transparent about using AI. 

  • If you do decide to use AI in your classes, proper citation practices can help facilitate responsible use of AI. See How to Cite AI for details.