Am I cheating if I use AI? Here’s how to use it safely
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of how we research, write and study. But how much is too much when using AI in coursework?
To help us with more general guidelines for safe AI use in the classroom, we talked to Kamini Bernard, Associate Director in the Office of Community Conduct, about the most common AI-related academic misconduct examples so you can avoid them.
Use AI how your instructor outlines
Sometimes AI is allowed for learning and support, and sometimes it’s not allowed at all for a particular assignment. “One of the most common issues we see related to AI use is when an instructor has told students not to use AI at all for a particular assignment, but the student uses it anyway,” explains Bernard.
Expectations vary by course, instructor and assignment, so it’s essential to clarify acceptable AI use with your instructor — what’s allowed, what isn’t and anything in between.
Bernard explains, “The grey area often comes down to how much AI is being used. Instructors may say you can use it to generate a resource list, or to develop an outline, but a student may use it beyond that.”
What to do: Treat AI as a support, not a substitute for your thinking. If you’re unsure where the boundary is, go back to your instructor and clarify.
Fact-check AI outputs
If your instructor allows AI use for an assignment, you are still responsible for everything you submit, including the accuracy of the information it provides.
Bernard explains, “AI is not perfect. Students are expected to use AI as a tool in their work in an ethical manner, which includes double-checking the material it produces.”
What to do: Always verify facts, confirm sources and review citations before submitting your assignment.
Cite AI as a source
If you use AI to support your work, you need to acknowledge it just like any other source.
“If an instructor allows students to use AI in an assignment, its use needs to be cited like other resources used in research and writing need to be cited. Instructors or programs may also set their own expectations for how AI should be acknowledged,” says Bernard.
What to do: When you use AI, review SAIT’s procedure and schedule on AI use, cite according to the Reg Erhardt Library citation guidelines and follow any instructions provided in your course.
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.