Best Practices

As AI tools become more integrated into education and professional life, knowing how to use them responsibly is essential. This section offers clear, practical guidelines to help you make the most of AI,  not just to complete assignments, but to deepen your understanding, build your skills, and prepare for ethical use in your future career. These best practices will help you stay aligned with academic integrity, respect intellectual property, and use AI as a tool for growth, not shortcuts.

✅ 1. Always Ask First

Before using AI for any assignment, confirm with your instructor whether it’s allowed. Each course, professor, and assignment may have different expectations. When in doubt, ask.

🗣️ 2. Be Transparent

If you use AI, clearly state:

  • What tool you used
  • Why you used it
  • How much it contributed
  • What parts were reviewed or edited by you

Follow your institution’s citation guidelines when required.

🧠 3. Use AI to Learn, Not to Replace Learning

AI is a tool to support your thinking. Use it to brainstorm, explore ideas, or get feedback, but ensure the final work reflects your own understanding and voice. Let AI help you learn, not skip the learning process.

🧪 4. Be Critical of AI Outputs

AI can make mistakes, hallucinate facts, or reflect bias. Always verify the information it gives you, especially for academic or professional work.

🌐 5. Respect Privacy and Intellectual Property

Never input personal, confidential, or copyrighted material into AI tools.

Think in Loops

The best way to follow these guidelines is to use AI as part of a human-AI loop when developing your work:

You plan

AI suggests

You revise

AI critiques

You finalize

This framework was developed by Elon University, check it out!

Reflect Before You Use

AI can be a powerful learning partner  only when used with intention and awareness. Before turning to AI, take a moment to reflect: Will this tool support your learning, or is it just helping you finish faster? The questions below can help you make thoughtful decisions about when and how to use AI in ways that truly benefit your education.

What is the goal of this assignment?
Is it meant to help you memorize, analyze, create, or reflect? Consider in which ways using AI will support or interfere with that goal.

Would I be allowed to do this with a friend?
Imagine AI as a person you know. Would it be okay to ask them to write your entire paper? Would you give them credit? Would it be acceptable to brainstorm, discuss ideas, or get feedback? Think about the degree of involvement that would be appropriate.

Am I learning or just finishing?
If AI is helping you understand better, great. If it’s just helping you get it done faster, you might be missing out on meaningful learning and skill development.

Have I asked my instructor?
Your instructor designed the assignment with specific learning goals in mind. If you’re unsure whether AI use is appropriate, ask. Clear guidelines aren’t restrictions, they’re tools to help you get the most out of your learning experience.

 

AI Literacy Pathway

This content is offered as part of My Learning Pathways from My SER. Answer the quiz below to complete this item or access your tracklist here.

 

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📚 References

  • Student Guide to AI – Using Ai for Writing
  • Content collaboratively developed using Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (GPT-4) and human editorial guidance.