Best Practice: Notify Learners of Expectations for Using Generative AI to Support Learning

Instructors should build an expectation around transparency for using generative AI to support learning. This means that instructors should explicitly share with learners how they should and should not use these tools.

Applicable Principles (the why)

Generative AI Literacy

  • Instructors and learners need to know how and when to use AI appropriately.

Academic Integrity

  • Learners must acknowledge when and how they have used AI in learning.

Keeping Humans in an Active Role

  • Learners should balance AI and Human work.

Practical Application (the what)

Instructors should include language in their syllabi that specifically states their expectations. Throughout the course, they should inform learners of the expectations as they relate to specific assignments. For example, instructors should state how learners may use ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, or other chatbots in completing that assignment. Here is one potential way to inform learners:

In this assignment, you may use generative AI in one or more of the following roles:

Generative AI RoleExample Prompt
Sounding boardI am thinking about writing my essay on [topic x]. What should I consider to ensure that I have a complete response?
ExpertCan you explain comma splices to me like I am five?
Draft writer or outline generatorI am conducting a SWOT analysis, can you prepare an outline that will include all the elements I should include?
Language translatorWhat is the English phrase for “Es tut mir leid”?
Conversation partnerCan you talk me through how to write an exposition essay?
Devil’s advocateWhat are a few reasons why this business plan might not be successful? Can you be a devil’s advocate to push me to think critically?
Research assistantHelp me identify some literature that I can use to back up my claims.
ProofreaderCan you review this essay and suggest ways to make it more clear and concise?
Peer reviewerYou are an undergraduate student in marketing and we are taking a course on digital marketing together. We are assigned to write a marketing plan. Here is the rubric. Can you review my plan and give me feedback?
TutorI really don’t understand computational fluid dynamics. Can you help me get started and then scaffold my understanding?
Cultural coachI have written a business plan but want to know how it will be perceived in Germany. Can you use Hofstede’s cultural dimensions to point out where I might improve my plan?

Resources