Should students use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to help with an assignment?
According to Brenda M. Stoesz, the answer depends on the course, the assignment and what an instructor has permitted. Stoesz is the research lead at the U of M’s Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning. Her work includes research on academic integrity and technology in higher education.
As GenAI becomes more common on university campuses, Stoesz said responsible use starts with understanding expectations. Students should check their course syllabus and ask their instructor if they are unsure whether or how GenAI can be used.
“If GenAI is not to be used, then the line is clear — don’t use GenAI,” Stoesz said. “But, sometimes, it makes sense to use GenAI in a certain way in a certain course, so ask your professor/instructor where the line is for that course.”
According to Stoesz, when permitted, GenAI can be used in ways that support learning without completing the work for the student.
“Students might want to use GenAI to clarify a concept when they are studying, perhaps brainstorming for ideas, or even using GenAI to help create a plan for completing an assignment by breaking it into chunks,” Stoesz explained. “If you feel that you’ve learned nothing when using GenAI, then you are probably not using it to your benefit,” she added.
Starting assignments early can also help students maintain academic integrity. Stoesz said leaving enough time to complete assessments can reduce the temptation to take shortcuts. Students can also seek available academic support when they are struggling with course material.
Transparency is another part of responsible GenAI use, Stoesz noted. When students include GenAI-produced content in graded work, Stoesz said they should keep track of how the technology was used. Instructors may require documentation, while citation styles such as APA, MLA and Chicago provide options for acknowledging or referencing GenAI content. Students should also check their syllabus or ask their instructor or teaching assistant about specific requirements.
“Transparency is also important because it shows integrity — taking responsibility for the work you have submitted builds trust and respect with educators and classmates,” Stoesz emphasized.
The risks of GenAI extend beyond academic misconduct. Stoesz cautioned students against entering personal information about themselves or others into GenAI tools without understanding the company’s terms of use. GenAI can also produce inaccurate information. “It is very important to verify the output by comparing the details with reputable sources,” she emphasized.
While GenAI has created new questions for universities, Stoesz said the meaning of academic integrity has not changed. Following instructions, being transparent about how work was completed and asking questions when learning is still important. She said detecting and preventing misconduct cannot address the issue alone. A broader approach includes giving students access to academic supports, teaching digital and GenAI literacy and keeping learning at the centre of assessment.
“The bottom line is that assessments need to show what [students] know and can do, otherwise they are not valid indicators of learning,” Stoesz said.
The U of M has also developed principles to guide decisions about GenAI. Stoesz highlighted its human-centred approach, which says AI should augment human capabilities rather than replace them. The principle emphasizes human relationships, transparency, trust and ethical considerations in higher education.
For Stoesz, responsible GenAI use will require continued learning from both students and educators. GenAI, she said, does not belong in every course, and expectations around its use will vary.
“It’s really important for everyone — students and educators included — [to remember] that GenAI is something we are all learning to use, and we need to be patient with each other,” she said.
As the technology develops, Stoesz said learning when to use Gen AI — and when not to — will remain part of using it responsibly.
