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Responsible AI Use

February 19, 2026 | Jennifer Griffin | jgriffin@uwf.edu

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Jennifer Griffin, Academic Advisor II, School of Education

In the past few years, generative AI has exploded, and its potential for use in higher education is significant. While it may be tempting to allow AI to do it all, it is critical to use AI responsibly and ethically. Believe it or not, this does not mean not using AI at all. You can use AI in a way that is helpful and increases efficiency, while still maintaining academic integrity and critical thinking. This post will cover what it means to use AI responsibly, and some tips and ideas for how to use it in your academic journey. 

IMPORTANT: In some courses, any use of AI is prohibited. Students must adhere to the course instructor’s policy. If you have any questions about their policy, contact the instructor for clarification.
What is AI?

Artificial intelligence is a broad term used for technologies that sense, learn, reason, and act. AI uses data provided by humans, applies knowledge, and provides an output. Since it involves human input, AI is inherently flawed and biased. This means it can present stereotypes as facts or provide unbalanced perspectives on historical or social issues. Additionally, AI can sometimes confidently state complete falsehoods—such as the made-up citations mentioned below. Never treat an AI's output as an objective truth; always verify its claims with a reliable source. Check out this great YouTube Video for a fantastic overview of AI. 

So what does it mean to use AI responsibly? 

In higher education, much of it comes down to making sure you are creating your own work and providing credit for ideas and work that are not yours. For example, did you know that there is a way to cite AI use? If you use AI, citing the use of AI is critical to not claiming others' ideas as your own. However, please be aware: Citing an AI tool does not automatically make its use 'legal' for every assignment. In some courses, any use of AI is prohibited. Always verify that AI assistance is permitted before you use and cite it.

Another pillar of responsible AI use is to be sure to think for yourself. 

Even when using AI, you still need to be doing the work assigned to you and checking everything you use AI to help with. For example, AI will create completely made-up citations when it’s writing your research paper. Imagine a faculty member seeing their name or a colleague's name in a reference page to an article they never wrote! It’s critical that if you do use AI to help (NOT do it for you), that you double-check everything! 

The power of AI is incredible, and so it is very easy for it to do all of your thinking for you. But this will not help you in learning (the point of your courses), and in the long term may affect your brain (use it or lose it). When you are running behind and busy with multiple courses, it feels very tempting to let AI write or think for you, but this will not serve you. In addition to violating academic integrity values, it is likely that AI detectors will catch it. It is also important to know that these detectors are not perfect and can sometimes produce 'false positives,' flagging original student work as AI-generated. To protect yourself, we strongly recommend keeping your early drafts, outlines, and browser history (like Google Doc version history) to prove that the work is yours if it is ever questioned. A good rule of thumb when using AI for coursework is to make sure you are using your own ideas and work, and only use the AI to make it better. 

Reminders for When Using AI

When using AI, it is important to keep some things in mind: 

  • Check the syllabus in each course for an AI acceptable use statement - if you do not see one, ask your instructor!
  • Use your own ideas and work
  • If you use AI, be sure to cite it - check out this resource from the Purdue OWL for directions
  • Check and double-check all information that AI provides
  • Avoid providing any AI tools with sensitive or personal information
Ideas for Using AI in Your Academic Journey 

I have brainstormed some ideas for great ways to use AI to enhance your academic journey while still using AI responsibly and thinking for yourself. 

  • Time Management/Productivity 

Time management is a huge challenge for many. AI is a great tool to help you manage your time, create schedules/task lists, prioritize, create study plans, and give tips to help you increase your productivity. 

  • Understanding Concepts 

Is there a concept or an assignment that you are not understanding? AI can break it down for you and make it easier to understand or often alternative explanations. 

  • Analyzing Your Own Writing (Consult Instructor First)

If your instructor’s policy allows for AI assistance, you can use these tools as a mirror for your own work. Instead of asking it to 'fix' your writing, try asking it to 'summarize my main argument' or 'identify three areas where my explanation is unclear.' This allows you to see if your message is getting across without the AI rewriting your work. We highly recommend the UWF Writing Lab for proofreading and stylistic help. Their human feedback is the best way to improve your writing while ensuring the work remains entirely your own.

  • Study For Exams

Provide the content for your exams by providing class notes and ask it to make a practice quiz or give practice questions. 

  • Job Preparation 

Have AI give you feedback on your resume, practice interview questions, tips, etc. 

  • The Possibilities Are Endless

There is much that can be done with AI. The key to using it on your academic journey is to do your own work. Use AI tools to help you improve, but do not let it do the work or think for you.

Topic coming in April! The Week 12 Pivot: Finishing Strong While Planning Your Summer Launch

 

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