Artificial intelligence and ChatGPT

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Artificial intelligence is everywhere and with it comes new opportunities and challenges.

As these new platforms evolve so must the way instructors, TAs and students use them. Given the rapid pace of change and growth in artificial intelligence - this issue will be ongoing for the foreseeable future. 

At present, it is important for instructors to be explicit about whether artificial intelligence or tools like ChatGPT are allowed to be used to complete assignments, tests or exams, and if so, the extent to which it is allowed, and if it should be cited and how to cite it. A student who does not comply with the instructors rules about the use of such tools will be subject to Policy 71 and an investigation into academic misconduct. 

For more information, review this page dedicated to artificial intelligence at University of Waterloo.  

Instructors, students and staff should use GenAI transparently. Dr. Martine Peters has developed icons to clearly denote such use.  Logos for transparent use of artificial intelligence © 2023 by Martine Peters is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

GenAI use logos

Thinking about Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom (Video): An overview for University of Waterloo instructors on considerations for generative artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. Includes recommendations instructors may wish to implement in their teaching practice.

Instructor resources for Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT tools

Rapid advances in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) are changing teaching and learning. It's imperative that instructors familiarize themselves with this new technology. IST has provided the Guidance on Artificial Intelligence use for the Waterloo community. *Note Microsoft Copilot should be used through your UWaterloo account in order to protect the privacy and security of the data that you enter. 

Instructors must be explicit with their expectations about the use of GenAI to complete assignments, quizzes, tests or exams. Suggested course outline text is available on the UW Course Outline Suggestions for Generative Artificial Intelligence webpage. 

Visit the Artificial Intelligence at Waterloo webpage to learn more and to find support for navigating GenAI in teaching and learning. 

Other Resources

Tips for students

GenAI can be helpful to students in many ways; however, to maintain academic integrity and use these tools ethically ensure you submit your own work. 

So, what does your “own” work look like in age of GenAI?

Ask yourself:

  • Am I confident that I understand the topic from the work that I have put in?
  • Can I show how I got to the final version of my work with drafts and sources?
  • Can I speak to the information and arguments I have written?
  • Does the writing sound like me – in my voice and level of experience?
  • Is the information accurate and can I verify it?

Ethical uses of GenAI:

  • Expanding your ideas to explore other ways of thinking;
  • Improving your writing (but not replacing your voice);
  • Creating efficiencies in rote tasks like formatting references;
  • Being transparent about where and how you have used GenAI;
  • Does not replace critical thinking.

Other resources:

Before beginning a project/assignment/test:

  • Review the instructions and ensure you are clear on your instructors expectations. If you are unsure if you can use AI tools, ask your instructor before starting the project/assignment/test.
  • If AI tools are permitted in a project or written assignment, ensure you are aware of how to cite the use of such tools. If you are not sure which citation style to use or how to cite AI tools, ask your instructor. Check out this helpful guide to citing AI tools in APA style.
  • Check out resources from the Writing and Communication Centre that instruct you how to use GenAI tools in the writing process.
  • Develop a plan working backwards from the due date.
  • Create a schedule to stay on track. Find schedule templates in the SSO’s section on 'Time Management’.
  • If you find you are falling behind and might not make the due date reach out to your instructor immediately.
  • Reach out to campus resources like the Writing and Communication Centre or SSO for support and guidance.

Review the University of Queensland Australia's brief module for students on ways to incorporate AI tools into their studies. 

Remember you only get out what you put into your academic courses! To graduate with the best skills for your future - ensure you are learning the content and can demonstrate your knowledge.