Industry expectations and workflows are evolving with AI. Preparing students to engage ethically and responsibly with these tools in their personal lives and careers, while ensuring that learning is not negatively impacted, aligns with NIC’s commitment to real learning for real change. The following decision-making guidelines can assist in integrating AI into a learning activity or assessment.
Guidelines for Incorporating GenAI into Student Course Activities
Course Design and Outcomes: Instructors should assess whether incorporating AI into the course design, activities, and assessments aligns with course learning outcomes, program learning outcomes, and the conventions and expectations of the discipline. See the Providing Clarity and Alignment page, and the Course Outline Chart [Word] which can be completed and included with a course syllabus.
Meaningful Learning Experiences: Instructors should ensure that the use of AI in the course offers a meaningful learning experience rather than serving as a novelty.
Discussion with Students: Instructors should discuss the strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations of the technology with students. This includes explaining what tool is being used, what data is collected through the tool, how the data will be used, and how to use the tool responsibly. It is important to provide the pedagogical rationale behind integrating AI into the learning experience.
Approval and Consent: Instructors cannot require students to use AI or any other technology tool for activities related to grading or achieving learning outcomes unless it has been approved through NIC’s Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) process.
If an educator recommends a tool that has not gone through the PIA process, equivalent alternatives must be offered for students who do not consent to entering personal information into the tool. The alternative must not disadvantage the students opting out or result in lower grades or a reduced learning experience. Instructors can email the Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation (CTLI) for options.
Instructors can recommend Microsoft Copilot, when logged in with NIC credentials, as a more secure and free tool. See: Recommended AI Tool. In general, instructors should aim to select tools that are accessible to all students.
When recommending any tool, instructors should caution students against entering any personal data or information they would not want to share or store, such as personal details or intellectual property they wish to protect.
Instructors can ask students to complete the NIC Student AI Disclosure Form [Word] [PDF] and attach it to their assignment submission.
Adherence to NIC Policies: The use of all technology and digital tools must adhere to NIC’s Policies.
