Generative Artificial Intelligence and Assignment Design

Generative AI (GAI) is here to stay. Its disruptive arrival is an occasion to reflect on your approach to teaching and learning and determine how best to respond to this moment.

Experiment with the Tools

If you haven’t already, experiment with generative AI tools first. Try out text generators, image creators, or coding assistants depending on your teaching context. Probe these tools’ capabilities and limitations before making decisions about their use. Consider their utility and how they may help or inhibit your students’ ability to learn.

Communicate Your Expectations Clearly

Let students know upfront where and how AI can be used in your assignments, if at all. Is it a resource for brainstorming ideas or getting unstuck on a problem, or is it off-limits entirely? Do students need to disclose and cite their use of these tools? If so, how? 

Clearly state your expectations, both during class and in your syllabus. Review the Chicago Center for Teaching and Learning’s Guidance for Syllabus Statements on the Use of AI Tools and their collection of example syllabus statements from UChicago faculty for ideas and examples. You may also wish to collect student affirmations of your academic integrity and/or generative AI policy statement in the beginning of the quarter.

Rely on Dialogue

AI-detection tools are often inconsistent, which may lead to wrongly concluding a student used an AI tool when in fact they did not (false positives). Rather than solely relying on these tools for detection, it’s more effective to engage students in dialogue. Set clear expectations, and if you notice something unusual, discuss it with your student. You have a range of options when it comes to academic honesty and plagiarism.

Be Clear About Your Goals

Regardless of whether you restrict or accept students’ use of AI tools, be clear about the goals of your assignment. How does the assignment support your larger course goals? What are the specific learning outcomes for this assignment? Clearly stating these objectives can help students understand the purpose of the work and help you ensure alignment between goals, assignments, and other learning activities.