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Overview
Audience:
Faculty and staff creating instructional materials, assignments, communications, or course content.
Description:
AI tools can help you create, revise, and improve course materials more efficiently. Use the guidance in this article to ensure your content is accurate, appropriate, and aligned with university expectations.
Environment: Large language models (LLMs)
Using AI while teaching
You can use AI tools to assist with:
- Creating assignment instructions
- Drafting announcements and emails
- Building rubrics or grading criteria
- Generating examples or practice questions
- Simplifying complex topics for students
AI works best when you provide clear input and review the output before sharing it with students.
Best practices for using AI
Review content before sharing
Always review AI-generated content before using it in your course.
- Verify accuracy of facts and instructions
- AI can "hallucinate," referencing incorrect or fabricated sources
- Confirm alignment with course objectives
- Edit for clarity and tone
Tip: Do not share AI-generated content without reviewing it first.
Protect student and university data
Do not enter sensitive information into AI tools.
- Do not include student names, grades, or personal data
- Do not include confidential or internal-only information
- Follow university data privacy guidelines
Tip: Only use general or non-sensitive information in prompts.
Use AI as a support tool
AI should assist your work—not replace your instruction.
- Use AI to create drafts or ideas
- Add your own expertise and course context
- Customize material for your students
Write clear prompts
Clear prompts improve the quality of results.
- Specify your audience (e.g., first-year students)
- Include tone and format (e.g., step-by-step instructions)
- Request examples or explanations when needed
Example: Create step-by-step instructions for a student completing a research assignment. Use simple and clear language.
Check for bias and accuracy
AI-generated content may contain errors or unintended bias.
- Review examples and wording carefully
- Remove or revise any incorrect or inappropriate content
- Verify important information using trusted sources
Keep materials updated
Review AI-assisted content regularly.
- Update instructions or links as needed
- Revise materials each term if necessary
Recommended Steps
Follow these steps when using AI:
- Step 1: Enter a clear prompt into the AI tool
- Step 2: Review the generated content
- Step 3: Edit for accuracy, tone, and clarity
- Step 4: Add your own course-specific details
- Step 5: Share with students
- Step 6: Update as needed
Additional notes
Avoid the following:
- Sharing AI-generated content without review
- Entering sensitive or private information
- Relying on AI for final decisions without oversight
- Using AI output without verifying accuracy