Estimated time to read this article: 7 minutes

Introduction

Artificial intelligence, specifically generative artificial intelligence (generative AI), is a hot topic issue in higher education. Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, can produce content completely indistinguishable from content written by a real-life person – and students know this. Currently, there are no reliable tools available that can detect content written by generative AI. Faculty are understandably concerned! But that said, we can’t stop it. Generative AI is here, and we need to learn to work with it instead of against it.  

This article is meant to introduce you to generative AI so that you have a better understanding of what it is and what Georgian is doing to help guide faculty, staff, and students in this new technological era.  

What is generative AI?

Generative AI refers to technologies that can create content, ideas, or solutions autonomously. In higher education, these tools are used for tasks such as drafting administrative documents, creating course materials, and developing strategic plans. By automating routine tasks, generative AI allows educators and administrators to focus on more strategic activities.

What about safety and cyber security?

Data privacy and security concerns are complex topics.  It is always recommended that you review each AI company’s Privacy and Security Policy prior to using their application (ChatGPT Consumer Privacy). 

In a recent Educause report, Robert (2024) states “Privacy and security professionals are most concerned with data security (82%), compliance with federal regulations (74%), ethical data governance (56%), compliance with local regulations (56%), and the impacts of biases in data (52%)” (para. 5).

Georgian College does not have a designated AI tool licensed under their name.  This means that faculty must proceed with caution regarding any AI tool they choose to use (outside of AI add-ons used to enhance existing licensed technology, such as Blackboard Ultra, Power Point, ScreenPal, etc.  

How is my personal information used (if at all)?

Personal information is collected by AI software (such as Chapt GPT).  It is important to read through each company’s collection of information policy to determine what information is collected, how it is used, and long it is retained for (see ChatGPT’s Privacy Policy).  

Entering any personal data that is meant to be protected within your organization (i.e., student details, faculty information, sensitive HR knowledge, or IT data) is not advised. AI companies use training models “...that pose various challenges, including limited transparency and explainability. They also rely on training data that is difficult to access and assess. These challenges stem in part from large model sizes, high volumes of training data, and the proprietary nature of many tools” (Government of Canada, 2024). 

Does AI track what I ask?

Yes, AIs track the information you have entered, among other personal details, but it also depends on the company.  For example, OpenAI’s (2024) Privacy Policy states, “When you use our Services, we collect Personal Information that is included in the input, file uploads, or feedback that you provide to our Services (“Content”).” 

Does AI use information that I've entered?

AI companies may use your information, such as log data, usage data, and other personal information. For example, OpenAI’s (2024) Privacy Policy states, “We may automatically collect information about your use of the Services, such as the types of content that you view or engage with, the features you use and the actions you take...”. 

Within each company’s policy, it is important to review how your information is used and shared.  Personal information may be used for a variety of purposes, such as “To provide, administer, maintain and/or analyze the Services; To improve [the company’s] Services and conduct research... [and] To develop new programs and services...” (OpenAI, 2024).  Information may also be shared with third parties without your consent. 

What generative AI tools are students and faculty using?

This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but some of the most common generative AI tools are listed below. Click on a link to be directed to the FAQs or description page for the tool.  

What is Georgian College doing about generative AI in higher ed?

Georgian’s approach to generative AI is continuously unfolding. Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ve done so far:

• adopted a set of principles, Guiding Principles for AI
• adapted internal policies and procedures to reference the use of generative AI in relation to academic integrity, Academic Integrity Regulations
• created syllabus templates with statements regarding student use of generative AI, Syllabus Statements: Artificial Intelligence

Want to learn more?

Do you want to expand your knowledge about generative AI? Consider one (or more) of these resources: 

• Artificial intelligence Crash Course (YouTube Playlist)
• GenAI for Everyone (Coursera)
• Generative AI for Educators (Grow with Google)
• Innovative Teaching with ChatGPT (Coursera)
• User Awareness and Education for Generative AI (Coursera) 

Resources

Artificial Intelligence - Georgian College CTL Knowledge Base

Government of Canada. (2024). Guide on the use of generative artificial intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/government/system/digital-government/digital-government-innovations/responsible-use-ai/guide-use-generative-ai.html#toc-3 

OpenAI. (2024). Privacy Policy. Retrieved from https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy/ 

OpenAI. (2024). Consumer Privacy at OpenAI. Retrieved from https://openai.com/consumer-privacy/ 

Robert, J. (2024). 2024 EDUCAUSE AI Landscape Study. Retrieved from https://www.educause.edu/ecar/research-publications/2024/2024-educause-ai-landscape-study/introduction-and-key-findings