Considerations for Designing Writing Assignments
Instructor Toolkit
The accessibility of generative AI tools is on the rise, poised to revolutionize education by offering innovative ways to engage students in critical thinking and analysis of research and scientific writing. Instructors aiming to harness these tools effectively should acquaint themselves with the mechanics of generative AI and its role in reshaping the fields of science and medicine in addition to setting explicit guidelines for use of generative AI as a tool for learning in their classrooms.
Generative AI in the Classroom
How to design writing assignments that motivate independent thinking
Generative Artificial Intelligence is a broad term for one type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that uses Machine Learning to create new content. If instructors allow, Generative AI may be used as a tool by students for creating their work. However, Generative AI can be used for academic dishonesty, particularly for passing off generated writing as a student's own. If instructors allow some use of AI it is important that students cite their use of AI. Check out the following links for information on the Provost stance on AI, academic integrity and AI, the strengths and weaknesses of using AI in research, and how to cite and link the results generated with AI.
- AI FAQ (ASU) -Includes strategies for preventing the submission of completely AI generated work.
- Use of generative AI in the research process,
- Citing generative AI models
- Linking to Generative AI results.
AI Tools to Explore in Your Classroom
AI can empower teachers to create lessons that take advantage of the latest in pedagogy, while also differentiating the experience for each student. As you explore what AI can do for you and your students, the following are a couple of apps to help you get started:
| ChatGPT | Ask a question or input a request, and ChatGPT will respond. Explore examples of how teachers are authentically incorporating it into their classrooms. |
| DALLE-2 | Write a description of the image you want to create, and DALLE-2 will generate it for you. Check out these 6 tips for getting started in writing prompts. |
| Perplexity | Another generative AI chatbot, which sets itself apart by citing sources that are clickable, allowing you to validate research and explore context. |
One area where Generative AI fails is that it hallucinates (or generates) non-existent citations. The inclusion of nonexistent citations in work may be one indicator that a Generative AI was used to create the work. ASU is currently evaluating various methods of detecting the dishonest use of Generative AI; one current method is checking for made up citations. This can be done by searching in appropriate databases such as the ASU library website and Google Scholar.
You can also check whether citations are correctly formatted; check the ASU Library Style Guide for information on formatting. Currently, this will have to be done citation by citation by a grader.
How to frame policy around AI Text Generators
- For general questions about cheating or plagiarism, connect with Christy Adams, SOLS’ Academic Integrity representative.
- For questions about potential academic integrity violations concerning Artificial Intelligence, connect with Paul LePore, The College's Academic Integrity Officer.
For questions on course design best practices in the age of Artificial Intelligence, connect with Kena Ray, The College's Assistant Director of Instructional Design and Learning Technology
Resources
The Arizona State University Provost’s Office has created a specialized web site to provide the ASU community with resources that help address both the challenges and opportunities posed by generative AI inside and outside the classroom. Additional resources are currently in development by this office.