AI-Generation Tools at East Central College

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool across many disciplines and sectors, including education. AI generation tools, which use machine learning algorithms to create everything from text to images to code, are an exciting and potentially transformative technology. However, their use in academic work must be governed by the principles of academic integrity. ECC’s Learning Center embraces the use of AI as a tool for learning and creativity, provided it is used responsibly and ethically.

Respecting Professors’ Policies

Each professor at ECC has the right to set their own policy regarding the use of AI generation tools in their class. Therefore, never assume that you are allowed to use an AI tool for a given assignment. Always consult your syllabus or directly ask your professor if you are unsure about whether you can use AI generation tools.

Using AI Generation Tools Responsibly

AI generation tools can be used to support your learning and augment your creative process. These tools can provide you with fresh perspectives, assist in brainstorming, tutoring, proofreading, code generation, and even provide design inspirations. However, any work generated by AI that helped you on an assignment must be properly acknowledged and cited in accordance with our Academic Honesty Policy. In other words, any work generated by AI should be treated in the same way as work or ideas generated by another human: you must not claim it as your own, and you must properly attribute it to its source. This is not limited to direct quotes; it also extends to ideas, refinements, and explanations provided by the tool.

Citation Guide

Here are some guidelines on how to cite AI-generated work:

  1. AI-generated Text: When using text generation software, you must provide the software’s name, the prompt you gave the AI, and the full, un-edited generated text. Remember to cite the AI tool as the source, using appropriate citation format. Make sure you understand what is required of your citation(s) in your chosen formatting style before turning any work in.
  2. AI-assisted Paraphrasing: If you use AI tools to paraphrase source material, you must clearly cite the original source material, the AI tool you used, and note all changes made by the tool. Keep in mind that using AI tools does not eliminate the necessity of understanding the source material.
  3. AI-assisted Writing Revision: When using AI tools to revise your own writing, you must clearly indicate the type of tool used and the extent of changes made by the tool. This includes tools that automatically correct grammar and punctuation.
  4. AI-generated Images: If you use image generation software to complete a design assignment, you must provide the software’s name, the prompt you gave the AI, and the un-edited generated image.
  5. AI-generated Code: When using a text generator to create code, you must provide the software’s name, the prompt you gave the AI, and the un-edited generated code.

For more specific citation rules in MLA and APA formats, check out ECC’s Learning Center Writing Resources page.

Consequences of Misuse

Any failure to abide by these rules may result in penalties as outlined in our Academic Honesty Policy, including receiving a zero on the assignment, failing the course, or facing disciplinary action from the institution. Always strive for integrity and honesty in your work. Remember, the goal of using AI tools is not to make your work easier, but to enhance your learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Remember, AI is a tool, not a replacement for your own intellectual work and understanding. Its responsible use can enhance your academic experience, but abuse or misuse may compromise your academic integrity.