Artificial Intelligence

As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly integrated into higher education, it’s important for faculty to clearly communicate expectations, thoughtfully incorporate AI into learning, and prepare students for ethical and effective use.

Clarify expectations in your syllabus

Use the AI Assessment Scale to evaluate each assignment and determine the appropriate level of AI use. Add the scale directly into your syllabus to ensure transparency and consistency.

• For sample syllabus language, see this guidance from Pepperdine University.
  
  

Expand your understanding of AI

Stay informed about AI tools, trends, and ethical considerations:

• Explore CSUMB’s professional development offerings: [Course 1], [More Courses]
• Try sample AI prompts for teaching and learning
• Learn about potential challenges, including algorithmic bias, resource consumption, and intellectual property concerns.
  
• Review the guidance from the CSU Academic Senate.

Ensure alignment with CSUMB and CSU policies

Review guidance related to AI use in:

• Acceptable Use
• Syllabi and accessibility standards
• Academic integrity
• Information security
• Find CSU systemwide recommendations for responsible AI use here.
  
  

Reimagine assessments in the AI era

Consider how AI can help make learning more inclusive and effective:

• Ask AI for ideas that align with Universal Design for Learning principles.
• Use formative assessments to support students’ developing knowledge.
• Evaluate how students apply learning rather than just recall facts.
  
  

Start conversations with your students

Help students engage critically with AI:

• Discuss topics like digital responsibility, cognitive offload (see study), and ethical AI use.
  
• Encourage students to earn SDSU’s AI Microcredential, which introduces best practices and responsible use.
  
  

For additional resources or support, contact cat@csumb.edu.

Using AI in Your Classes

• Read your syllabus carefully; check for AI rules. If unclear, ask your professor
• Expect variation: some professors may encourage or require AI use, others may prohibit it
• Apply ethical standards:
  • Ensure originality—use AI as a helper, not a substitute.
  • Cite AI use according to class or institutional policy.
  • Protect privacy—never share sensitive or personal data with AI systems

Responsible AI Practices

• Before starting: confirm AI use is allowed, and understand the rules
• During work:
  • Use your own voice and ideas.
  • Verify AI-generated information for accuracy, bias, or harm.
  • Document and cite AI use appropriately.
  • Avoid using confidential or copyrighted material
• After completion: be able to explain your work without AI and prove source reliability

Effective AI Use Cases

• Writing: brainstorm ideas, improve clarity, check grammar—while staying the primary author
• Creativity: generate ideas in design, music, or art; credit original sources
• Studying: create quizzes, study notes, and review guides; check accuracy
• Research: simplify complex concepts, but confirm with original sources
• Data: summarize datasets and visualize results; ensure you can explain them

AI Tools and Resources

• Use the tools provided by the campus. They're safer and have more features than the free versions.
• Visit the CalState GenAI page for students

Prompts and Communication with AI

• Use clear, specific, and grammatically correct prompts
• Provide role, context, task, and format for best results
• Break down complex tasks into smaller requests
• Compare poor, better, and effective prompts to improve outcomes
• Try meta-prompts to guide AI in generating layered responses

AI Concerns and Limitations

• Accuracy: AI may hallucinate, produce biased, bland, or outdated information
• Ethics: AI may use copyrighted material without consent; attribution is essential
• Security: AI may expose private data, have weak safeguards, or be resource-heavy
• Values: AI lacks accountability and human judgment; use with caution

Skills for the AI Era

• Tech skills: productivity software, project management tools, spreadsheets, data visualization, online research, multimedia tools, and basic coding
• AI literacy: understand AI terminology—ML, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, LLMs, multimodal AI
• Human skills: critical thinking, creativity, cultural understanding, ethics, communication, collaboration, decision-making, and conflict resolution

AI Beyond the Classroom

• Personal use: organize schedules, plan meals, evaluate purchases, plan events, explore cultural/political issues
• Academic life: support student organizations, independent projects, study abroad planning
• Limits: rely on people, not AI, for sensitive issues like health, mental well-being, relationships, or finances

Preparing for AI-Driven Careers

• Employers expect AI skills: 66% won’t hire without them; 77% give greater responsibilities to AI-skilled candidates
• Career preparation:
  • Read AI/tech news, pursue certifications.
  • Join internships, research, conferences, and student organizations.
  • Learn networking and interpersonal skills alongside technical skills
• Job applications: tailor resumes for AI screening, use LinkedIn, practice with mock interview tools
• Lifelong learning: adapt continuously, pursue advanced training, and maintain human strengths

Essential Principles for Students

1. Know and follow your school’s rules.
2. Learn about AI—strengths and weaknesses.
3. Do the right thing—use ethically, disclose, and cite.
4. Think beyond your major—adopt multidisciplinary learning.
5. Commit to lifelong learning—adapt to change.
6. Prioritize privacy and security.
7. Cultivate your human abilities—relationships, empathy, creativity.

For access issues and technical support, contact the Technology Help Desk by dialing 831-582-HELP or visiting the IT Help Desk in the Library.

Where can I learn to use ChatGPT?

Upcoming Events

• AI Office Hours: Assessment Strategies

Self-Paced Training

You can explore a range of self-paced learning resources through the following platforms:

Students 

• Introduction to AI Microcredential for Students
• CSU AI Commons
• OpenAI Training Resources
• AI Courses for Novices (ACUE)

Faculty

• Faculty Resources from CAT
• The Academic Applications of AI (AAAI) for Faculty Microcredential
• CSU AI Commons
• OpenAI Training Resources
• AI Courses for Novices (ACUE)

Staff

• AI Tools for Higher Ed Professionals and Administrators
• CSU AI Commons
• OpenAI Training Resources
• AI Courses for Novices (ACUE)