Guidance for Instructors

Instructional Use of Generative AI

Integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the educational landscape offers an opportunity to enhance teaching and learning experiences at Michigan State University (MSU). By aligning with the Student Success pillar of the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan, we can provide an exceptional educational experiencefor all students, preparing them for postgraduate success. In alignment with our institutional values of collaboration, equity, excellence, integrity, and respect, this document guides instructors on the ethical and responsible employment of AI tools in teaching if they choose to use AI.

Principles for AI in Teaching

• Complementary Tool: AI should augment teaching, serving as a tool to assist instructors, not as a substitute for the active and engaged role of educators.

• Human-Centric Approach: Maintain direct engagement with students, ensuring that human interaction remains central to the educational process.

• Quality Assurance: When using AI-generated content, instructors are mindful and accountable, assuring its accuracy and alignment with MSU standards.

• Transparency and Disclosure: Clearly, and with specificity, communicate the use of AI to students in creating and delivering course content, assignments, and assessments.

• Critical Engagement: Encourage students to assess AI-generated information critically, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and skepticism when appropriate.

• Inclusivity: Ensure AI applications are equal to all students, respecting diversity and promoting equity.

• Adaptability: Stay updated with AI advancements to continuously refine teaching strategies and ethical considerations.

Implementation in Teaching Practices

• Integration with Curriculum: Instructors may use AI to support and enhance their course learning objectives. Please refer to the playlist for Using AI in Teaching & Learning to access additional resources.

• Documentation: A statement clarifying the use of AI should be included in the syllabus, outlining its role in the course for both instructor and student use. For additional syllabus-related resources, please consult the Generative AI Syllabus Guide playlist.

• Student Interaction: Balance AI use with activities that promote student engagement, critical thinking, and the development of human skills.

AI Limitations

• AI outputs must be treated with caution as their internal processes are not transparent, and their data may contain biases or inaccuracies. Strive to be thoughtful and critically reflective of AI biases to ensure fairness and non-discrimination in all AI-driven endeavors.

• Intellectual property concerns around AI inputs (i.e., private data) and outputs necessitate careful consideration regarding citation and attribution.

Sourcing and Use of AI

• Vetting AI Tools: Before adopting any AI tool, it must be vetted for its reliability, security, and alignment with MSU's ethical values through the Information Technology (IT) Procurement Process. This includes consulting with IT professionals and adhering to privacy, security policies, and environmental responsibility.
• Documentation and Review: It is best practice that the use of AI tools is (self) documented, including their purposes, the rationale for their selection, and the outcomes they're intended to achieve. This form of documentation will help instructors reflect on their previous work and facilitate accountability and continuous improvement, although it is not required to be submitted.

Ethical Considerations

• Avoid using AI tools to process confidential or personal data. For more information on data use and generative AI at MSU, please review the Interim Guidance on Data Uses and Risks of Generative AI.

• Engage in professional development to enhance AI integration skills and to keep abreast of ethical guidelines. For additional resources, please refer to the AI for MSU Educators and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance from MSU playlists.

Note to Instructors: Please review these guidelines thoroughly and integrate them into your instructional practices. Ensure that you understand the implications of AI use in your teaching and the responsibilities it entails. For further assistance or to provide feedback, please contact the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation.