AI Policy

Notre Dame High School (Easton, PA) sets expectations for ethical student use of AI, clarifying acceptable support uses and prohibiting plagiarism, assignment completion, and misrepresentation.

Notre Dame High School (Easton, PA) — AI Policy.

Introduction. As technology evolves, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in education has become increasingly common. While AI can enhance learning and support academic endeavors, it is essential to maintain integrity and honesty in all academic work. This policy outlines the expectations for students regarding the ethical use of AI in their studies.

Purpose. The purpose of this policy is to: (1) promote academic integrity in the use of AI tools; (2) provide clear guidelines for students on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI; (3) foster a culture of honesty, respect, and responsibility in academic work.

Definitions. AI Tools: Any software or application that uses artificial intelligence to generate, analyze, or assist in the creation of content (e.g., writing assistance, code generation, data analysis). Academic Integrity: The commitment to honesty and ethical behavior in academic work, including the avoidance of plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of dishonesty.

Guidelines for Using AI Tools. Acceptable Uses: Research Assistance — using AI to gather information, summarize articles, or understand complex concepts, provided that the student engages critically with the material; Idea Generation — utilizing AI for brainstorming or generating ideas as a starting point for original work; Drafting Support — employing AI tools to help draft outlines or structure for essays, but ensuring that the final product is the student's own work and perspective. Unacceptable Uses: Plagiarism — submitting AI-generated content as one's own without proper citation or acknowledgment; Completion of Assignments — using AI to produce work that is intended to be completed independently, such as essays, reports, or projects; Misrepresentation — presenting AI-generated ideas or solutions as the student's original thoughts or efforts.

Responsibilities. Students: acknowledge the use of AI tools in their work where applicable; ensure that their submissions reflect their own understanding and creativity; familiarize themselves with the capabilities and limitations of AI tools to use them effectively and ethically. Educators: provide guidance on the ethical use of AI in academic work; offer instruction on proper citation practices and the importance of academic integrity; encourage critical thinking and originality in student work.

Consequences of Violating the Policy. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary actions, which can include: (1) a warning or notification to the student; (2) requiring the student to redo the assignment; (3) receiving a zero on the assignment; (4) further disciplinary measures in accordance with the school's code of conduct.

Conclusion. The responsible use of AI can greatly enhance learning experiences, but it is crucial to uphold academic integrity. By following this policy, students can ensure that they engage in honest and ethical academic practices, preparing them for future challenges in their educational and professional journeys.