MCC Guidelines on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence
in Teaching and Learning
This statement provides a framework for responsible use of generative artificial intelligence
(GAI) in teaching and learning. Specific expectations regarding the use and misuse of GAI will be determined by instructors
to suit the
needs of their specific courses.
Generative AI Defined
Generative artificial intelligence technologies (e.g., Dall-E, ChatGPT) use machine
learning algorithms to collect data, monitor actions and interactions and respond
to further inputs and feedback in order to fine tune their engines. AI-based tools,
such as Google Maps, predictive text and Grammarly have been used for many years.
(This definition adapted from Monash University - with permission of course). Visit
here for more information.
To ensure MCC graduates are equipped with the most effective and innovative skills, we embrace the use of emerging tools and technologies when used responsibility and ethically to support (not circumvent) teaching and learning. Faculty are invited to enhance their course/assignments and deploy thoughtful approaches to teaching with GAI and students are encouraged to explore its capabilities when consistent with course policies.
GAI promises radical transformation to how we work, study, and live. Alongside this exciting and rapid evolution comes ambiguity and concerns about safety, authenticity, and bias – among others. To ensure transparency, we want to recognize there are known and unknown implications of its use, including legitimate risks such as accuracy of information as well as ethical considerations.
For these reasons MCC subscribes to the following provisions:
For Students
- Any assistance used by GAI will be properly cited and acknowledged appropriately (see an example here)
- Any use of GAI must uphold the College’s Student Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policies;
- Any approved use of GAI must demonstrate respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and individual rights to privacy;
- Be thoughtful as not all information created by AI will be true; the use of AI tools is not a substitute for critical thinking, analysis, and originality, which are expected in all academic work.
For Faculty
- Individual instructors may determine the role of GAI in their courses and assignments; Instructors who consider use of GAI tools to be unauthorized in their class should state this with specificity in their course syllabus;
- Instructors who permit students to use AI tools for research, experimentation, and/or learning purposes should request that students clearly distinguish their own work from any generated by the tool;
- Respect privacy, request consent, and allow students to opt out if they do not want their work submitted;
- Instructors should use caution when employing AI detection tools, as these have been found unreliable and inconsistent.