Using Generative AI at EVCC

Before you use AI: Check with the instructor FIRST

Each instructor at EVCC will determine whether Generative AI use is permitted in their course. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before using AI for academic work:

Always check the course syllabus for the generative AI policy.
If you don’t see a generative AI policy or have questions about the parameters for using AI in a class, always ask your instructor.
Some instructors may incorporate generative AI into class assignments, if you are uncomfortable using generative AI or have questions about where to start, reach out to your instructor.
An instructor's decision to allow or restrict generative AI use often depends on the field of study and learning objectives. For example, nursing courses may prohibit AI use to ensure students develop critical skills and master essential concepts independently. In contrast, computer science courses may encourage unrestricted AI use as part of learning current industry practices.

Communicate and Clarify

Be sure you fully understand how your instructor is allowing you to use it (or not) and how they want you to show that you have used it as part of your work if they are allowing it. Every instructor, class, and field is different. When in doubt, ask!

Think About Why are you wanting to use AI?

Before deciding to use a Generative AI tool, it is important to consider why you are thinking about using these tools.

Do you need additional support?
Are you having trouble getting started?
Is it challenging for you to decipher what the instructor's instructions and/ or expectations are?
Are your taking the edge off of your workload?
Are you focusing on getting a certain grade rather than building your skills and learning?

If you are not allowed to use GenAI in your class, there are other available resources you can turn to that might be helpful:

Assignment clarification/general support: Your instructor. Find the best way to contact them in your course syllabus.
Research: The Library. EvCC Librarians can help locate resources in print and online, narrow down your topic, and cite your sources.
Tutoring Support: The Tutoring Center. You can access tutoring services in person or over Zoom.
Writing Support: The Writing Center. Get writing feedback and support in person or over Zoom.
Technology Support: eLearning can offer support with Canvas and other educational technology. Technology Services can offer support with campus logins, campus hardware and software, student email, etc.
Disability Services: The Center for Disability Services (CDS) office provides a variety of accommodations for students with disabilities and academic barriers.

Evaluate the Output After Using AI

If you are permitted to use AI in your class, be sure to carefully evaluate the information it presents as an output. Here are some suggestions after receiving the initial response from the Gen AI:

Read through the initial response and refine your prompt so that you can clarify your parameters and provide it with more boundaries.
Look up the sources and quotes it may be referencing- are they factually correct? Are they real? Are they referred to in context?

Generative AI Does not think! It gathers information

Generative AI models learn the patterns and structure of the data they are trained with (webpages, social media, survey data, etc.). They then generate new data that has similar characteristics. As a result, Gen AI can generate information that appears factual but may be inaccurate. Gen AI output imitates or summarizes existing content, mostly without the permission of the original content owners so copying the exact output presents issues of copyright, ownership, and intellectual property.

Adapted from: University of Leeds, Strengths and Weakness of Gen AI

Consider Your Privacy and Personal Data

Most GenAI apps use the information we input to further train their technology, and may reproduce what we enter for other users. It is important not to enter any information into GenAI tools that you would not want others to have access to. It may be unlawful to enter material using the chat function of a GenAI app if the material is protected by laws, such as:

privacy laws
intellectual property laws
otherwise confidential information

Additionally, students should be aware that GenAI companies will collect personal information from the use of their services such as:

Usage Data
Device Data
Session Data
Log Data

From: “Talking to Students about Generative AI”Links to an external site.by Jen Easter and Paula Demacio and Durham College Resources for GenAI

Citing Generative AI Content

There is some disagreement over how to cite the use GenAI, specifically Large Language Models since LLMs are not a human source. If your instructor allows the usage of AI in your class, they will let you know if and how they would like it cited in your work. The APA, MLA, and Chicago style have all issued initial guidance on how to cite GenAI but acknowledge that their recommendations may change over time.

To keep up to date with the latest information, you can access the citation information in the EvCC Library's Citation Style Guides. You can also refer to this guide provided by the EVCC Library about APA Citations for Content Generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools. Contact one of our reference librarians at library@everettcc.edu for more help.