ChatGPT and Generative AI Guide for Faculty

ChatGPT is what many people use as the generic term for any Generative AI program. Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence system/model that uses already existing data (images, writings, music, etc) to create new content automatically from prompts (i.e. instructions, questions, descriptions) provided by the user. While ChatGPT is the best known, other systems include Google Gemini, Microsoft OpenAI in Bing, and DALL-E. 

We can also let ChatGPT explain what it is for itself:

Prompt: Can you explain generative AI to me, but assume I have no knowledge of computers. 

ChatGPT Answer: 

Generative AI uses a special kind of program called a neural network. Think of a neural network as a complex mathematical model that learns from examples. For example, if you show it thousands of pictures of cats, it will learn to recognize patterns in those pictures that represent cats. Then, when you ask it to generate a new image of a cat, it uses what it has learned to create a new and unique cat image.

This ability to generate new content based on patterns learned from existing data is what makes generative AI so powerful and versatile. It can be used in many different fields, from creating art and music to assisting in scientific research and helping solve complex problems.

Never used Generative AI? Try it out now! 

• ChatGPT (requires sign-up for a free account) 
• Microsoft CoPilot (no account required, can sign-in using FCC account)

Drafted by the Generative AI Committee March 2024 

At Frederick Community College, we are committed to fostering an environment where students not only meet content-related learning outcomes but also develop technical proficiency, communication, and critical thinking skills that prepare them for the workforce.  

Technology provides new opportunities but also exposes students to risks that could undermine the learning experience. Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is an evolving technology that can enhance the teaching and learning experience when used ethically and responsibly. 

The use of Gen AI for coursework should be at the course instructor's discretion in consultation with departmental or other college policies. A clear statement about how AI can be used for a course is recommended in course syllabi. Students who use Gen AI outside of the syllabus policy may be in violation of the Academic Integrity section of the Student Code of Conduct. 

Faculty and staff use of Gen AI should follow existing college policies, including: 

• Personally Identifiable Information 
• Technology Use 
• Employee Code of Ethics 
• Copyright 
• Privacy and Access to Education Records 

Faculty should carefully consider how and when it is appropriate for students to use Generative AI for coursework. The FCC Generative AI Committee complied sample syllabi statements that can be tailored by faculty to address the use of Gen AI in their courses.

Most Restrictive

Use of AI Tools: This course requires you to complete various assignments that assess your understanding and application of the course content. You are expected to do your own work and cite any sources you use properly. You are not allowed to use any artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, text generators, paraphrasers, summarizers, or solvers, to complete any part of your assignments. Any attempt to use these tools will be considered a violation of academic integrity and will be dealt with according to the College's academic integrity policy. Students are expected to complete all work independently and without the assistance of AI-generated content. If you have any questions about what constitutes acceptable use of AI tools, please consult with the instructor before submitting your work.

Moderately Restrictive

Use of AI Tools: This course permits you to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, text generators, paraphrasers, summarizers, or solvers, to get guidance on assignments, as long as you do so in an ethical and responsible manner. Essentially, you can think of these tools as ways to help you learn but not to entirely create work for assignments like discussion board posts, essays, presentation slides, and so on. AI is more like your tutor or TA, not a replacement for your independent thinking.

This means that you must:

• Not use AI tools to replace your own thinking or analysis or to avoid engaging with the course content.
• Cite or explain any AI tools you use. Provide the name of the AI tool, the date of access, the URL of the interface, and the specific prompt or query you used to generate the output. 
• Be transparent and honest about how you used the AI tool and how it contributed to your assignment. Explain what you learned from the AI tool, how you verified its accuracy and reliability, how you integrated its output with your own work, and how you acknowledged its limitations and biases.

You are accountable for any mistakes or errors made by the AI tool. Always check and edit the output before submitting your work. If you discover any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the output after submission, notify the instructor immediately and correct them as soon as possible.

Using AI tools in an unethical or irresponsible manner, such as copying or paraphrasing the output without citation or transparency, using the output as your own work without verification or integration, or using the output to misrepresent your knowledge or skills, is considered a form of academic dishonesty and will result in a zero grade for the assignment and possible disciplinary action. If you have any questions about what constitutes ethical and responsible use of AI tools, please consult with the instructor before submitting your work.

NOTE: Some instructors will also list specific acceptable and unacceptable uses or include a statement like “All written assignments, projects, and exams must be completed independently.”

Least Restrictive

Use of AI Tools: In this course, students are encouraged to explore and utilize generative AI tools, such as chatbots, text generators, paraphrasers, etc., as part of their learning and coursework. These tools can be valuable for brainstorming, drafting, and enhancing your understanding of the material. However, it is important to critically assess and cite any AI-generated content used in your assignments and projects. Students are expected to demonstrate their own understanding and critical thinking in their final submissions. Proper attribution and transparency about your usage of an AI tool are expected.

We may also integrate AI Tools into some of our assignments. Here are some examples of ethical and responsible generative AI use.

• Use AI tools only for tasks that are appropriate for your level of learning and understanding. Do not use AI tools to replace your own thinking or analysis, or to avoid engaging with the course content.
• Cite any AI tools you use properly, following the citation style specified by the instructor. APA Example:
  • OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
• Provide evidence of how you used the AI tool and how it contributed to your assignment. Explain what you learned from the AI tool, how you verified its accuracy and reliability, how you integrated its output with your own work, and how you acknowledged its limitations and biases.
• Take full responsibility for any mistakes or errors made by the AI tool. Do not rely on the AI tool to produce flawless or correct results. Always check and edit the output before submitting your work. If you discover any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the output after submission, notify the instructor immediately and correct them as soon as possible.
• If you are working on a group assignment, discuss the use of AI tools with your group members and agree on how you plan to use them and how you will be transparent with the instructor regarding their use.

If you have any questions about what constitutes ethical and responsible use of AI tools, please consult with the instructor before submitting your work.

Questions to Consider When Developing your Syllabi Statement

• Does your statement cover different types of assignments, i.e., tests, essays, presentations, group work, etc.? Or, do you want to have discussions with students and separate policies/guidelines for individual assignments and group assignments?
• Do you want to ask students to verify or check sources of information used by an AI tool when possible?
• Do you want to ask students to consider representation in any AI responses that they use in their work?
• Do you want students to cite or share AI use and how/when should they do that?
• Do you need a full statement for only AI use or can it be wrapped into an academic integrity policy?

While some tools have been created to try and detect AI generated writing, unfortunately none of them can reliably identify human vs. AI writing. More information on the limitations of these tools can be found below.