Speaking to students about how to use AI ethically

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a significant tool in the realm of educational technology, with ChatGPT-4 assuming a leading role in driving this paradigm shift.

As counsellors, we possess a distinct opportunity to provide guidance to our students in using these tools in an ethical manner to augment their essay-writing processes for university applications. 

Educators worldwide are actively engaging in discussions around AI-generated text, acknowledging its immense potential as well as the complex challenges it poses, particularly in relation to upholding academic integrity. The prevailing agreement is evident: the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT-4 is significantly influencing the field of academic writing. However, it is crucial to prioritise the preservation of the application process’s integrity.

In the context of our roles, it is important to establish unambiguous guidelines for using artificial intelligence in writing college essays.

Academic institutions are currently revising their policies on academic misconduct to incorporate AI, with a particular focus on promoting the production of genuine student work. By promoting the implementation of values-based education and fostering an environment that empowers students to discover and express their genuine perspectives, we establish a fundamental framework for the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

When providing guidance to students regarding essays, it is important to take into account the following key factors:

Elucidate the objective: emphasise the significance of incorporating personal reflection in one’s essays. The primary function of ChatGPT-4 should be to facilitate the enhancement of ideas and language proficiency, rather than solely generating the entire essay. 

Promote originality: it is important to remind students that the essay provides an opportunity for them to demonstrate their individual and distinctive experiences. AI has the capability to organise and refine ideas, but it cannot reflect the personal experiences and reflections of the student. 

Establishing boundaries: for example, ChatGPT-4 could potentially assist in conducting grammar checks or alleviating writer’s block; however, it is imperative that the student remains the primary source of ideas and narrative and also proofreads their own work to double-check those aspects.

Educate on academic integrity: participate in dialogue to provide an educational overview of academic integrity, specifically focusing on the definition and significance of plagiarism. Emphasise the importance of avoiding plagiarism, even in situations where the use of AI tools might introduce ambiguity.

Promote critical thinking: facilitate the development of critical-thinking skills by urging students to engage in a thorough evaluation of AI-generated text, thereby ensuring its congruence with their individual expression and intended communication.

Promote transparency: encourage students to openly disclose how they are using AI tools and, if relevant, reflect upon the experience within their applications.

Foster discussion: establish a forum where students can engage in discussions regarding the ethical ramifications of using AI, fostering an environment that promotes candidness and adherence to moral principles.

In order to foster a culture of innovation and uphold ethical standards, it is imperative that we encourage our students to use ChatGPT-4 as a supplementary tool to enhance their writing, rather than as a substitute. By effectively using AI while adhering to ethical guidelines, individuals are able to not only preserve the integrity of their work, but also augment their educational experience.

The integration of this technological advancement should be embraced in order to enhance the educational experiences of our students, while simultaneously maintaining the core values associated with academic excellence.