Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, MidJourney, Adobe Firefly, etc. can enhance teaching and learning by supporting research, brainstorming, lesson planning, image creation, and writing development. While these tools can provide valuable assistance and spark creativity, it is essential to use them with academic integrity and in alignment with the goals of this professional development program.
Guidelines for Ethical and Responsible AI Use
- Use AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
AI can assist, inspire, and clarify your work, but your thoughts, analysis, and assignments should primarily reflect your own effort. Focus on developing your own skills and understanding rather than simply completing assignment tasks. - Use AI for Understanding, Not as a Shortcut
Leverage AI to clarify doubts, explore concepts further, and refine your work. Avoid using it to bypass reading, critical thinking, or meaningful engagement with the material or your peers. You may use AI for feedback and improvement suggestions, but do not rely on it to rewrite your work beyond your abilities and submit it as your own. - Cite AI-Generated Content
If you include significant insights or direct phrases from AI, be sure to cite them appropriately. As with any external source, limit direct quotations to no more than a couple of sentences. - Avoid Plagiarism
Copying and pasting AI-generated text or images without proper attribution is considered plagiarism and will result in no credit. Always ensure your work is original and authentically represents your own efforts.
Best Practices for AI Use
Do:
- Use AI to seek clarification and expand your understanding. AI can suggest additional readings or resources related to your coursework.
- Develop your own original response before using AI for readability, grammar, or flow assistance. AI can offer suggestions for improvement.
- Use AI for brainstorming lesson ideas and conducting research to find relevant information.
Don’t:
- Use AI to bypass reading, critical thinking, or engagement with course content. Do not ask AI to summarize articles or provide direct quotes instead of reading the material yourself.
- Ask AI to complete an assignment or forum response for you. Avoid pasting assignment directions or prompts into AI tools. AI-generated responses often sound overly formal and generalized, while human responses are more authentic.
- Rely on AI to create an entire image, lesson, or action plan as a response to an assignment.
Maintaining Academic Integrity
Using AI without proper attribution, relying too heavily on AI, or using it to avoid reading and analysis violates academic integrity. The purpose of these professional development courses is to foster your professional growth, and your work should apply to your classroom. AI can be a valuable tool in this process, but it cannot replace your active engagement or the personal knowledge you have of your students. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your instructor, or reach out to the Continuing Education team at prof.dev@fresno.edu
Policy modified from: Candi Reimer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CWkYova39dbPoKeQm3Gz06m__HcMRAD3ziSzagl_mS8; Alice Keeler: https://alicekeeler.com/2023/05/24/acceptable-use-policy-for-ai-in-the-ela-classroom/ and ChatGPT, OpenAI, 2025, https://chatgpt.com