Artificial Intelligence or AI has the potential to transform education in exciting ways. AI can help you explore new ideas, work through challenging problems, access information more quickly, and discover creative approaches to teaching and learning. At the same time, like any powerful technology, AI works best when used thoughtfully and responsibly.
These guidelines are designed to help you navigate our AI features more safely and effectively. Whether you're a student using AI to support your studies or an instructor integrating AI into your teaching practice, these guidelines will help you make informed decisions, protect yourself and others, and get the most out of AI features.
Protect Your Privacy and the Privacy of Others
Don't share personal or sensitive information with publicly-available generative AI tools (including the third-party generative AI models that power some of our features, including the AVA Playground). This includes your full name, address, phone number, student ID, social security number, financial information, health details, or any other data you want to keep private. The same goes for information about others—don't input personal details about classmates, colleagues, students, instructors, family members, or anyone else. When seeking help on assignments or projects, remove or replace personal or sensitive information before entering it into a publicly-available generative AI tool.
Verify AI-Generated Content (“Output”)
AI models can generate responses that sound convincing but are incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Always verify information provided by AI tools through dependable sources before relying on them, especially for academic work, important decisions, or information you plan to share with others. Think of AI-generated content as a starting point for exploration, not a final answer or finished product.
Follow Your Institution's Rules and Policies
Your Institution, departments, and instructors may have issued policies and rules about AI use. You need to adhere to these rules, when using AI. When in doubt, ask your instructor or a member of the administrative team at your institution before using one of our AI tools.
Use AI to Enhance Learning, Not Replace It
AI tools should enhance your educational experience, not substitute for genuine learning and critical thinking. For students, this means using AI to research, deepen understanding, explore concepts from different angles, or supplement your traditional learning resources. For instructors, it means thoughtfully integrating AI in ways that support teaching goals and student development. Never use AI for inappropriate purposes, including creating harmful content, cheating, harassing others, generating misleading information, or any activity that violates our End User Term or institutional rules or policies that may apply to you.
Be Aware of AI Limitations and Biases
AI models reflect the data they were trained on, which means they can perpetuate stereotypes, cultural biases, and inaccuracies. They may perform poorly with certain topics, languages, or cultural contexts. Always scrutinize the content AI generates and be especially cautious when dealing with sensitive topics involving race, gender, religion, politics, or personal identity. If you notice problematic outputs, don't assume they're factual or appropriate.
Report Problems and Concerning Content
If you encounter content from an AI tool that is harmful, dangerous, discriminatory, or otherwise concerning, report it through appropriate channels. This might include informing your instructor or a member of the administrative team at your institution. Your feedback helps improve AI systems and protect other users. You can also reach out to us at trustworthy-ai@blackboard.com.
Manage Your Time and Engagement
While AI can be a helpful tool, limit the time you spend engaging with AI to maintain balance in your life. Set boundaries for yourself. Make sure you're still engaging deeply with course materials, collaborating with peers, and developing your own capabilities.
Recognize the Difference Between AI and Human Connection
AI models simulate conversation but don't have genuine understanding, emotions, or consciousness. They're not substitutes for human instructors, mentors, counselors, friends or family. If you're struggling academically, professionally, or personally, reach out to people who can provide real guidance and care, including your instructor or a member of the administrative team at your institution.
Stay Informed and Keep Learning
AI technology is evolving rapidly. Stay curious about how these tools work, what their capabilities and limitations are, and how best practices for their use continue to develop. Participate in training opportunities offered by your institution and engage in conversations about responsible AI use with your institution and educational community.