Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Artificial intelligence (AI) has already been used in various forms for a considerable time and has recently sparked a wide debate. Generative AI applications, using questions, prompts or keywords entered by the user, can, for example, generate, modify and correct texts, images and sounds in a manner that cannot be reliably distinguished from output created by human beings. This has an impact on society and academia.

The guidelines align with the Educational Regulations; the Responsible Conduct of Research; the University's Code of Conduct; Instructions on guidance for thesis writers; and the University Library guide, AI tools in information searching. The guidelines cover the legislation currently in force that the University recognizes and complies with, as well as any future updates.

The University takes a generally positive attitude towards technological development and innovations, seeing them as opportunities, but also acknowledging the risks associated with technology.

The use of AI affects teaching methods, assessment practices and learning outcomes.

The use of AI also makes misconduct possible, as it can be challenging to recognize a product of AI.

AI is in use at present, and its use will continue into the future; it has its purposes and offers opportunities. At the University, it can facilitate the work of teaching staff; for students, it can support learning and might be necessary in working life.

Although the reliability of AI and the origin of the outputs can be questioned, it would be impossible or difficult to prevent the use of AI. For that reason, it is essential to develop AI literacy and to use AI with awareness and restraint in accordance with the commonly agreed guidelines. When using AI in university education, ethical principles such as equity, transparency and accountability must be upheld.

AI is a tool that can be utilized in many ways. The University of Oulu considers it important that teachers and students have a shared understanding of what is acceptable, what is prohibited, as well as what constitutes the responsible use of AI to support learning. In the university community, students will receive support towards this goal through study guidance, seminars, methodological studies and during participation in courses. The ICT services will compile practical guidelines and provide further information on their Instructions website and for staff members in the intranet.

Within the guidelines, the teacher can specify the pedagogically appropriate use of AI in relation to the learning outcomes of an assignment or course. For specific assignments or courses, the teacher can use their discretion to restrict, disallow, encourage or require the use of AI. The teacher can require the student to report on which AI application has been used and how. When the use of AI is permitted, the user must comply with data protection requirements and uphold other guidelines from the University of Oulu concerning the processing of personal data. The teacher may require students to use only information systems maintained by the University. It is recommended that the teacher draws up guidelines for the permitted use of AI in particular courses and assignments. If the teacher has not prepared and communicated specific instructions, these guidelines of the University of Oulu apply.

The student is always personally responsible for the output they submit, and the output produced by AI may not be presented as one's own or as a source. AI can provide study support but may not be used as a substitute for learning, thinking, and practising. It is the student's responsibility to follow the instructions given by the teacher. In unclear cases, students are encouraged to consult with the teacher to ensure whether the use of AI is allowed in the way they have used or intend to use it.

The use of AI in maturity tests is forbidden.

Common practices include respecting the equality of students. If AI is allowed within a course, every student should have equal opportunities for access. To promote equality, assignments cannot require the use of paid applications, so that students do not have unequal advantages.

All AI users must comply with data protection legislation and standards (GDPR), respect copyright and ensure data security. Personal, sensitive and confidential data must comply with the requirements of data protection regulation and other applicable legislation (e.g. the National Data Protection Act and Universities Act).

Students and staff are instructed to use AI tools for which the University of Oulu has ensured that statutory requirements are met, for example, concerning the data security of the tool. It is not recommended to input personal data into applications and systems other than those provided by the University of Oulu.

A teacher or student using AI must also uphold ethical principles in their work. Good scientific practice must be followed in research. AI does not change the definition of misconduct in studies: misconduct is an act in which a student misrepresents their own competence. If there is suspicion of the prohibited use of AI or the omission of the required reporting on its use in an assignment, the incident will be handled according to the guidelines for misconduct.

The impact of AI on studying and assessment will be monitored at the University. The operational models and guidelines of the University of Oulu will be updated as necessary at least once per academic year.

• Copilot AI Chat is a versatile support in various study and learning situations. When you sign in with your student account, you gain access to the Copilot with commercial data protection version, ensuring better data privacy. You can find more information on how to set up Copilot and usage tips on the ICT support website.