DID YOU NOTICE? This image was generated by AI.

By: Rafael Tortolero
Multimedia specialist

IU is introducing new guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. The IU GenAI Task Force has recommended that faculty should address in their syllabi whether and how generative AI, including the mention of specific tools, can be used in an academic setting. 

Generative AI creates new content based on user input, unlike traditional AI, which is used primarily for data analysis and task execution. In a classroom setting, this can create the possibility of academic dishonesty.

In its statement on the task force on the University Faculty Council website, the council acknowledged these concerns.

“While Indiana University encourages members of the university community to explore generative AI technology, experiment with it, and contemplate possible applications for it that will help advance the institution’s teaching, research, and service missions, the University also recognizes the need to establish thoughtfully crafted policies and practices governing acceptable use of these tools,” the statement read.

The task force’s report calls for clear, consistent policies to ensure that students properly understand rules for using AI tools. The University Center For Excellence in Teaching has provided faculty with model syllabus statements depending on their preferences for their course, including statements that prohibit use of generative AI entirely, statements that allow it with permission and others that allow it openly with attribution.

These guidelines aim to promote transparency and fairness in how these tools are used across different courses. Additionally, the new rules address how to properly cite AI to maintain integrity and transparency and avoid plagiarism. 

The task force’s complete report is publicly available at ufc.iu.edu/committees/aitaskforce.