1. Introduction:
This policy serves as a framework for the ethical use of Conversational Generative AI Chatbots (GAI Chatbots) by students in their assignments. It aims to strike a balance between harnessing the potential of these tools for learning and research while upholding academic integrity and ethical conduct. Students are encouraged to embrace the educational value of GAI Chatbots while respecting the principles outlined in this policy.
2. Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that students employ GAI Chatbots in a responsible and ethical manner that does not impede their academic progress and fosters the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Responsible Use:
Students using GAI Chatbots should adhere to the following principles of responsible use:
a. Academic Honesty: Students are expected to uphold academic integrity and honesty in their assignments. The use of GAI Chatbots should not involve plagiarism or submitting work as their own if it is primarily generated by the chatbot.
b. Proper Attribution: If students utilize GAI Chatbots to generate content, they should appropriately attribute the assistance provided by the chatbot and make it clear that the content is generated with the help of AI.
c. Independent Learning: GAI Chatbots can serve as educational aids, but students should not overly rely on them to complete assignments. The primary goal is for students to develop their own skills and understanding.
4. Privacy and Data Security:
Students should ensure that they do not share personal or sensitive information while interacting with GAI Chatbots. They should also be cautious when using chatbots that require data input, making sure they comply with privacy regulations and institution-specific policies.
5. Contextual Applicability:
Students should evaluate the context in which they use GAI Chatbots. These tools may be more suitable for certain assignments and less so for others. Students should assess whether using a GAI Chatbot aligns with the learning objectives of their assignment.
6. Critical Thinking and Review:
Students should critically review and assess the output generated by GAI Chatbots. They are encouraged to verify and refine the content provided by the chatbot to ensure its accuracy and relevance to the assignment.
7. Collaboration and Peer Review:
Students are encouraged to collaborate with peers and instructors to review and discuss the content generated by GAI Chatbots. Peer review and discussion can help improve the quality of work and reinforce ethical practices.
8. Compliance with Academic Institution Policies:
Students must adhere to the academic policies and guidelines of their respective institution regarding the use of AI tools in assignments and should be responsible for utilizing the GAI Chatbot according to these policies. This includes understanding any specific rules or expectations related to GAI Chatbot use provided by instructors for specific courses and assignments. This policy should not override any of the GAI-related rules and instructions set forth by institutions, colleges, departments, specific programs, or individual instructors.
9. Reporting Ethical Concerns:
If students encounter ethical concerns related to the use of GAI Chatbots, they should report these concerns to their instructors or academic institutions for appropriate guidance and resolution.
10. Accountability and Consequences:
Students are accountable for their adherence to this policy. Violations of these ethical guidelines may lead to academic penalties, including failing grades or disciplinary actions.
11. Review and Updates:
This policy should be reviewed periodically to ensure its relevance and compliance with evolving educational standards and technological advancements.
This policy was generated with the help of ChatGPT and can be used and distributed freely under the CC BY license.
