Navigating AI in Cal Poly Classrooms: What Students Need to Know

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked discussions across various sectors, and education is no exception. Students at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) are also grappling with how to ethically and effectively utilize AI tools in their academic pursuits. This article explores the current landscape of AI policies at Cal Poly, offering guidance for students seeking to leverage AI while avoiding academic integrity pitfalls.

The Question on Every Student's Mind: Cal Poly's Stance on AI

As AI writing tools become increasingly sophisticated, students are understandably curious about Cal Poly's official position on their use. A recent Reddit thread on r/CalPoly highlights this concern, with one international student expressing a desire to use AI for improving writing skills while also fearing accusations of cheating. This sentiment reflects a broader uncertainty among the student body.

Understanding the Gray Areas: What We Know So Far

While a comprehensive, university-wide AI policy might still be in development, here’s what students should consider:

• Professor Discretion: Currently, the use of AI tools in coursework largely depends on individual professor guidelines. Some professors may explicitly prohibit the use of AI for specific assignments.
• Transparency is Key: If you are unsure about a professor's stance, proactively seek clarification. Open communication can prevent misunderstandings and potential academic integrity violations.
• Focus on Learning, Not Just Output: Frame your use of AI as a tool for learning and skill enhancement, rather than a shortcut to completing assignments. For example, use AI to paraphrase and understand complex concepts, but always ensure the final work reflects your comprehension and original thought.
• Refer to existing policies: Cal Poly's academic integrity policy still applies regardless of the tools used.

Practical Tips for Using AI Ethically at Cal Poly

Here are some ways to thoughtfully incorporate AI into your learning process:

• Use AI for brainstorming and outlining: AI can be a valuable tool for generating ideas and structuring your thoughts before you begin writing.
• Employ AI for grammar and style checking: AI can help refine your writing by identifying errors and suggesting improvements. However, always critically evaluate the suggestions to ensure they align with your intended meaning and voice.
• Leverage AI for translation and paraphrasing (especially for international students): As the original Reddit poster mentioned, AI can be helpful for international students in refining their writing. However, the final submission should always accurately reflect the student's understanding.
• Cite AI appropriately: If you use AI-generated content in your work, even for brainstorming, cite it properly. Consult citation guides like Purdue OWL for guidance on citing AI tools.

The Future of AI in Education at Cal Poly

As AI technology continues to evolve, Cal Poly will likely develop more formal guidelines and policies regarding its use. Stay informed about these developments by:

• Checking the Cal Poly website: Regularly visit the university's website for updates on academic policies.
• Communicating with professors: Engage in open dialogue with your professors about their expectations and perspectives on AI.

By approaching AI with caution, transparency, and a focus on learning, Cal Poly students can harness the power of these tools while upholding academic integrity. Further research into AI and machine learning from sources offering topics in Technology can help students stay informed.