Recommendations for Communication with Students

Communication with Students

The decision to use Generative AI in a course is an academic decision and belongs to the instructor unless the course outline explicitly states students will acquire these skills.  We have crafted recommendations for the three options instructors have in implementing their choice to allow or not allow GenAI in their course. These options are:

1

Requiring

AI tools in the course – the instructor has determined that the use of one or more GenAI tools will be required to complete this course

2

Permitting

The optional use of AI tools in the course – the instructor will allow the student to determine if any GenAI tools will be used to complete the course

3

Restricting

The use of AI tools in the course – the instructor has determined that GenAI tools will not be used to complete the course

We have provided language to support instructors’ communications with their students for each of these three options. 

Recommendation for Instructors for all Options

  • In addition to selecting the appropriate Syllabus language, please clearly communicate what is acceptable, and what isn’t.  Describe why. This will help the learner develop their understanding of appropriate use of GenAI.
  • Encourage questions.
  • Address technology changes and how to clarify any technology changes with you mid-semester.
  • Be clear about all AI tools, such as note takers, grammar/editors, spell checkers, etc.
  • Discuss student supports for GenAI use (Academic Integrity, Learning Centre)
  • Outline for your learners why you have made the decision around GenAI use that you have. 
  • Speak to its impact on learning and the discipline. 
  • The context you provide will help broaden their perspective regarding the appropriateness of its use.
  • This understanding contributes to Student AI Readiness.
  • Discuss integrity with your learners.  What it means and why it is important.
  • Provide context for integrity within society, within your discipline, within professional and academic life.
  • Identify that integrity is expected in the world with or without the nuances added by GenAI.

The following are concerns for all current GenAI to greater and lesser extent:

  • Data and Privacy – whether you permit GenAI or not, it is important to understand that all AI tools can and will collect and retain any personal information and private data.  Do not input anyone’s personal data into any GenAI.
  • Bias – The data that powers GenAI tools promotes stereotypes and displays many forms of bias.  Users must be aware of this and verify any material generated before it is used.
  • Accuracy – The data that powers GenAI was not assessed for accuracy, reliability or validity and may be inaccurate. Users must be aware of this and verify any material generated before it is used.
  • Hallucinations – GenAIs are tested on the accuracy of their response within a set duration of time. If the AI is incapable of correctly answering your question in that time frame, it will fabricate information to meet the assignment.  Users must be aware of this and verify any material generated before it is used.
  • Other Ethical considerations – UNESCO have an excellent document <https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381137> outlining other ethical considerations.

FAQ

A: Yes. If mandatory, you may require learners to use an AI tool reviewed and permitted by KPU and you include the Notice of Use. See here for a list of available tools.
If optional, or if learners want to use a different tool, you may want to caution them that GenAI collects personal data impacting privacy and IP.  You may also want to recommend they select from KPU reviewed and permitted AI tools.  To limit issues of digital divide, you may choose to request that they only use free versions of tools.

A: Please reach out to the teaching and learning commons for support with GenAI.

A: No. Current detection tools are not reliable and place the learners’ privacy and IP at risk.

Instructor Considerations

For Instructors Requiring or Permitting the Use of GenAI

In addition to the previous recommendations, you must provide the KPU Notice of Use (Notice of Use – Required Generative Artificial Intelligence in this Course : TEACHING & LEARNING COMMONS KNOWLEDGE BASE), and please consider the following:

  • It is important to include the information regarding use of GenAI in the course syllabus and in any printed material relevant to the course’s assignments.
  • GenAI use should be positioned within the context of the discipline being studied.
  • Describe how GenAI may be used and for which parts of the assignments. If prompts or other outputs need to be submitted with the assignment describe this for the students.
  • Considering student ability and course level may be helpful if determining the guidance you provide the learners.
  • The only GenAI that may be required are Copilot, Padlet, and where available, Adobe.
  • Determine if you will limit their AI tools choice or let your learners choose the tools to use.  Providing a rational for your choice will support the learners growing understanding around when and where GenAI is appropriate or not. 
  • Be clear with the learners:
    • How and where AI use is required.
    • If you allow the learners to self-select AI tools,
    • Remind them of risks to privacy and IP.
    • Encourage KPU recommended tools or tools that are free for use.
  • Specify style of citation, activities requiring citation and how different activities may be accounted for. 
  • Be clear with expectations around citing GenAI work. 
  • See the library for support in citing GenAI in APA and MLA.
  • Provide guidance for students choosing their own tools
  • GenAI tools will collect and store personal data and information entered into the system.
  • It is important that instructors and students are aware of this.
  • Entering and personally identifiable information should be avoided.

Additional Considerations For Instructors Permitting the Use of GenAI In class

  • Be clear if there are any assignments or parts of assignments where GenAI must not be used.
  • Discuss with them if they need to seek your approval before using optional GenAI.
  • Encourage the use of KPU provided AI Tools, Copilot, Padlet, and Adobe.

Considerations For Instructors Restricting the Use of GenAI in Class

Recommendations for instructors to consider communicating with their students:

  • Describe why GenAI is not allowed; how its use will it negatively impact a student’s learning.  This additional context will help a learner develop their perspective on appropriate and inappropriate use of GenAI.
  • Be clear with respect to Spell Checkers, Grammar Checkers, Transcribers, and AI for revision study.
  • Outline how your students may check any software use that they feel may be questionable with you.

Considerations in Table Format

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