The Academic Integrity Matters (AIM) program provides UBCO students with educational support to learn and apply best practices for academic integrity. The program offers four distinct Canvas courses to help address specific issues of academic integrity at UBC Okanagan.
With the rise of generative AI (GenAI) tools being used in universities across the nation, AIM developed a Generative Artificial Intelligence Canvas modules to address the relationship between GenAI and coursework at UBCO, including ethical considerations, best practices, and when the use of GenAI contradicts the values of academic integrity.
This new course has garnered media attention from news outlets like CBC and Global news. This attention is not surprising to Rina Garcia Chua, Academic Communication and Integrity Manager.
“At UBC Okanagan, whether GenAI can be used or not is a program or instructor level decision. So what is acceptable in one course may not be acceptable in another.” This uncertainty can result in a lot of confusion for both instructors and students.
She includes that many of the students she sees through the AIM program are “overwhelmed, confused, or stressed about whether they can or cannot use Generative AI for.” Added to this, many students feel too embarrassed to ask their instructors questions about using GenAI tools.
Although AIM’s GenAI modules do not themselves set out rules about the use of GenAI, they provide best practices and encourage students to advocate for themselves and ask questions if the GenAI policies set by their instructors are unclear.
AIM’s Generative Artificial Intelligence course is available for faculty to integrate into their course Canvas to be assigned for credit or can be completed by students independently. Once students complete the course, they will receive proof of completion certificates and gain confidence in their understanding of best practices when it comes to GenAI.
Whether or not a student decides to use GenAI in their coursework will depend on the guidance provided by their instructor. Either way, Rina Garcia Chua leaves us with an important consideration underlying these resources: “If the internet breaks down tomorrow, or AI suddenly disappears, how can we make sure people can do what they learned to do with their own skills and innate creativity?”
This course will be updated to meet the evolving needs of students and instructors. Questions or concerns about the course can be sent to aim.ok@ubc.ca.