Elon University and AAC&U Release Student Guide to AI

A new publication from Elon University 's Imagining the Digital Future Center and the American Association of Colleges and Universities offers students key principles for navigating college in the age of artificial intelligence. Developed in collaboration with academic leaders and students at universities around the world, "AI-U/v1.0" is free for students and institutions to distribute and adapt under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY-NC license.

The first edition of the guide is intended to serve the fall 2024 semester. Elements include:

  • An "Essential AI 'How-to' Manual" with ground rules for students to follow in their classes; information on originality, attribution, data security, and AI terminology; ideas for using AI in education; guidelines for prompt engineering; top AI tools; and a checklist for applying ethical standards when using AI;
  • Suggestions for planning an academic journey to prepare for AI-infused careers;
  • Answers to FAQs submitted by more than 100 students at multiple universities; and
  • Viewpoints on AI from college presidents and other education leaders.

The guide concludes with seven key takeaways for students:

  • Know and follow your school's AI policies and expectations, and ask questions if you're uncertain about what they mean.
  • Learn about how AI systems work and understand their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Use AI ethically and learn to evaluate AI-generated content.
  • Think beyond your major in developing skills around AI.
  • Commit to lifelong learning and be on the lookout for emerging AI tools and uses.
  • Prioritize privacy and security.
  • Cultivate your human abilities, including empathy, social skills, and creativity.

"As AI begins to influence teaching and learning, as well as many operations of colleges and universities, students need a road map to help navigate these changes," said Elon University President Connie Book, in a statement. "This guide was written from the student perspective and includes practical advice on using AI responsibly while in college and preparing for the AI future." 

The full guide is freely available at studentguidetoai.org. Updates to the guide and the guide's website will be published for future academic terms.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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