By Foram Gathia, PhD student
The use of AI in academia is a highly debated topic in academic circles and conversations. Before choosing a side, it is important to consider the implications of AI and what it really is: AI is a text generator which uses large language models. While there may be concerns about AI use, let’s consider what educators can do to ensure that AI is used with academic integrity intact.
- Limiting AI use: Every educator must come up with a clear AI use policy that is aligned with their institution’s guidelines and their educational goals. It is important to be very clear at the beginning of the semester about what students are allowed and not allowed to do so you’re both on the same page about when work meets expectations and academic honesty requirements and when it doesn’t.
- Teaching responsible AI use: While all educators want students to become strong writers, we do them no favors by banning AI entirely from the classroom. Students need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of AI so they can use them responsibly and to their advantage.
While AI holds the potential to revolutionize curriculum design and pedagogical practices, empowering educators to deliver more personalized, effective, and inclusive learning experiences for students in diverse educational settings, it also necessitates thoughtful consideration of ethical, social, and economic implications to ensure equitable access and outcomes for all learners.
These tips are based on NCFDD’s webinar “AI in Academia: Teaching Challenges and Opportunities”. Log in to NCFDD with UW–Madison’s membership to watch the full webinar.
Tips for Grads is a professional and academic advice column written by graduate students for graduate students at UW–Madison. It is published in the student newsletter, GradConnections Weekly.