Please see below some useful guidance on the appropriate use of AI in the classroom from Associate Provost Tanya Uden-Holman and CIO Steve Fleagle.

AI Guidance and Resources
University of Iowa Instructors:

As we get ready for the start of the spring semester, please take a moment to reflect on your approach to AI in the classroom and consider if you should make any adjustments or changes. The most important thing you can do is communicate with your students about your AI policy.

Explain Appropriate Use of AI Tools to Your Students

Provide your students with clear instructions about permissible AI uses during the first week of class. This should include specific guidance on academic integrity policies related to the use and misuse of AI tools.

When establishing your policies on AI use, keep your course goals and values in mind. Consider how your students will get the most out of their learning experience and if there are opportunities for your students to use and learn about AI that align with the learning objectives of the course.

Instructors also should initiate ongoing conversations about these policies throughout the semester. Students must understand how they can appropriately use AI tools and other resources in their work, as well as how to cite or acknowledge their use of these tools.

The UI’s Artificial Intelligence Tools and Teaching webpage has sample policy language for the use of AI tools in a variety of contexts that you can incorporate into your syllabus. The Chronicle of Higher Education also has advice on what to consider when drafting course policies on students’ use of tools like ChatGPT.

Make sure you develop clear AI policies and explain them to your students.

Additional guidance and resources

The Office of the Provost offers tips, guidance, and resources for instructors to adapt to AI in the classroom. This includes an overview of AI technology, suggestions for adapting assignments and teaching strategy for AI, and opportunities to get involved in the discussion of AI in higher education.

The Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology (OTLT) and the Center for Teaching have compiled resources to help faculty keep up with the evolving role of AI in the classroom. These include guidance on how to incorporate AI tools into assignments, recommendations for developing AI-resistant assessments, and tips on maintaining academic integrity.

Other opportunities and resources include:

Microsoft Copilot
The preferred AI tool for University of Iowa employees, Copilot gives UI faculty and staff access to a generative AI-powered platform with enterprise data protection. ITS offers training and support on how to get started with Copilot. Learn more on the ITS website.

ITS Generative AI Hub
A new AI hub on the Information Technology Resources (ITS) website explains how AI works and outlines guidelines and use cases. You can learn how to use AI securely, benefits and limitations of using AI in academics and research, a list of available AI tools, and more.

Generative AI Faculty Interest Group
Co-facilitated between the Center for Teaching and the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology, this Community of Practice meets monthly to explore the implications of generative AI in higher education and discuss ideas and practices related to generative AI in the classroom. University of Iowa faculty and staff can request to join the group on ICON.

AI Monthly Meetup and Brainstorming Session
The Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology offers sessions for those who want to learn more about engaging with Copilot and other leading AI tools. Sessions include hands-on demonstrations for interacting with AI platforms, as well as facilitated activities to help faculty experiment and innovate. View available sessions and register online.

We thank you for your commitment to providing a high-quality education for our students and your service to the University of Iowa.

Best wishes on an outstanding start to the spring semester!

Tanya Uden-Holman
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education
Dean of the University College

Steve Fleagle
Associate Vice President and CIO
Information Technology Services