As students in the digital age, you have the incredible advantage of harnessing the power and convenience of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and online homework help sites to support your learning.
However, it’s crucial to tread ethically and responsibly when utilizing AI study tools to ensure academic integrity and to avoid having any awkward conversations with your teacher about cheating.
The truth is that many teachers are still trying to understand how to incorporate ChatGPT and other generative AI study tools into their classroom as a learning tool. And while they recognize that learning how to prompt AI is an important skill in the workforce, they still want you to be able to think critically and use your own unique voice when writing.
Here, we’ll explore practical tips on how you can use AI ethically for your homework while steering clear of trouble.
What to Know Before Using AI Homework Helpers
Before using AI study tools like ChatGPT and Course Hero’s AI Homework Help, you first need to review your class syllabus and your school’s academic integrity policy.
Policies might vary from teacher to teacher and school to school, so understanding these guidelines will provide you with a solid foundation for ethical and responsible use of AI tools in your academic pursuits.
- Start by carefully reading your class syllabus. Pay attention to any specific instructions or restrictions outlined by your instructor regarding the use of AI tools. Some teachers may encourage their use as supplemental learning resources, while others may have limitations or outright bans. By familiarizing yourself with these details, you can ensure that you align your usage of AI tools with your teacher’s expectations and maintain academic integrity.
- Familiarize yourself with your school’s academic integrity policy. This policy sets the standards for ethical conduct and provides guidelines on what is considered acceptable or unacceptable in terms of using AI tools or any other external resources. Understanding this policy will help you navigate your academic journey responsibly, avoiding any unintentional violations.
- If your syllabus or academic integrity policy doesn’t explicitly address the use of AI tools, don’t hesitate to initiate an open conversation with your teacher. Approach them respectfully and express your interest in understanding their perspective on the responsible use of AI tools in the classroom. Encourage an open dialogue where you can discuss how these tools can be utilized effectively to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity. This proactive approach not only demonstrates your commitment to ethical practices but also fosters a positive and collaborative learning environment where both students and teachers can benefit from emerging technologies.
By reviewing your class syllabus, understanding your school’s academic integrity policy, and engaging in open conversations with your teachers, you can navigate the use of AI tools for homework in an ethical and responsible manner.
Taking a proactive approach ensures that you leverage these tools effectively while fostering a supportive relationship with your instructors, creating a space where technology, and learning harmoniously coexist.
How Do I Cite ChatGPT and AI Study Tools?
Be honest about using AI study tools like ChatGPT and Course Hero’s AI Homework Help in your schoolwork. That means citing them appropriately, treating them as you would any other study resource.
AI study tools themselves are not sources of original or authoritative content. They generate derived or synthesized content, so always double-check, cite, and acknowledge the sources that AI uses to generate the information in your work. Do not claim credit or ownership for the content generated by ChatGPT and other AI question answering tools.
To cite AI study tools, start by including the name of the tool or platform, along with any available information on the AI model or version used. If the tool has a specific creator or organization associated with it, include their name as well.
Additionally, provide the date you accessed the AI-generated content and any relevant details such as the specific question or prompt used for generating the response. Just like citing a book, article, or website, this information allows readers to verify and locate the original source.
By citing AI resources in your work, you demonstrate intellectual honesty and uphold the principles of academic integrity. Remember that proper citation not only protects you from unintentional plagiarism but also showcases your commitment to responsible research. Treating AI-generated content with the same level of respect and citation as any other study resource ensures that your work is grounded in credibility and fosters a culture of ethical scholarship.
Here are two examples of AI study tool citations in MLA format:
ChatGPT
Prompt: Discuss the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on racial equality in the United States.
ChatGPT. OpenAI, 2023, chat.openai.com. Accessed 20 May 2023.
Remember to adjust the citation details to reflect the specific version or model of ChatGPT used, as well as any additional information required by your institution or instructor.
Ask your instructor how they would like you to show your work (i.e., the prompt you used) when using generative AI for assignments.
Course Hero’s AI Homework Help
Course Hero’s AI Homework Help. Version 1.0. Course Hero, www.coursehero.com/ai-homework-helper/. Accessed 20 May 2023.
Document Reference: “Example Document Title.” Course Hero, 2023, www.coursehero.com/file/167225966/example-document-url.
We recommend using Scribbr’s free citation generator for APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard citations.
What to Watch Out for When Using AI Study Tools
Whether you’re using ChatGPT or Course Hero’s AI Homework Help, students should be aware of potential biases or discrimination that may be present when using any AI study tool.
Here are a few key factors to consider when evaluating the bias and fairness of AI resources:
Diversity and Inclusivity: Assess the diversity and inclusivity of the data used to train the AI model. Look for resources that draw from a wide range of perspectives and represent diverse voices, experiences, and backgrounds. If an AI resource predominantly reflects a single perspective or fails to consider diverse viewpoints, it may indicate a potential bias.
Transparency and Explainability: Seek AI resources that provide transparency and explainability. Look for platforms or tools that openly disclose their training data sources, algorithms, and decision-making processes. Understanding how an AI resource generates its responses can help identify any potential biases embedded within the system.
Independent Verification: Cross-reference AI-generated information with multiple reliable sources. This helps ensure that the AI resource is providing accurate and unbiased information. If the AI responses consistently align with well-established sources and academic consensus, it indicates a higher level of credibility. Consult trusted academic publications, reliable news outlets, and recognized experts in the relevant field to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information you include in your assignment. Learn more about identifying and using scholarly sources.
User Feedback and Reviews: Pay attention to user feedback and reviews of the AI resource. Check if others have raised concerns about bias or discriminatory outcomes. User experiences can provide valuable insights into the reliability and fairness of the AI resource.
Regular Updates and Maintenance: Look for AI resources that actively address biases and make efforts to improve fairness. Platforms that regularly update and maintain their AI models to mitigate bias demonstrate a commitment to providing accurate and equitable information.
Remember, no AI system is entirely free from bias, as they are trained on human-generated data.
As long as you take a critical and discerning approach to using AI study tools, you can evaluate their fairness and choose those that promote inclusivity and provide reliable information. By understanding the limitations and potential biases of AI tutors and chatbots, students can engage in informed and responsible use of technology for their assignments.
