ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI. It's a variant of the GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) architecture and has been trained on a large corpus of text data to generate human-like responses to a given prompt. ChatGPT can be used for a variety of natural language processing tasks, including text generation, conversation, and answering questions.

The explanation above was written by ChatGPT. Prompt: What is ChatGPT?

Sample Syllabi Statements

·         AI fully permitted

• AI generated writing such as ChatGPT responses are acceptable for this class. However, not all classes or instructors allow AI generated responses. You should check with each instructor before using AI on an assignment.  

·         AI partially permitted w/ declaration

• The use of AI writing tools such as ChatGPT is acceptable in this class; however, you must state at the beginning of your assignment what AI tool you used, list the search parameters you used to generate your response, and highlight the sections in the written response that are your own words or your revisions to the AI generated text.  Follow the example declaration provided in Canvas, if you use an AI writing tool on an assignment. (See Sample Guidance to Students below.)

·         AI partially permitted for brainstorming

• You may use AI programs such as ChatGPT to help generate ideas and brainstorm.  You should note that the material generated by these programs may be inaccurate, incomplete, or otherwise problematic. Beware that use may also stifle your own independent thinking and creativity. You may not submit any work generated by an AI program as your own.  If you include material generated by an AI program, it should be cited like any other reference material.

·         AI not permitted

• AI generated writing such as ChatGPT responses will not be accepted in this class. I want to hear your thoughts, your words, your perspectives. I am available to support you with your assignments by appointment or during my scheduled office hours. Highline also has an excellent Writing Center, with free support and guidance for written and other assignments. Please note that assignments may be randomly selected and screened for AI generated writing. Assignments submitted using AI generated writing will either need to be redone or will receive a zero. 
• All work submitted in this course must be your own. Contributions from anyone or anything else, including AI sources, must be properly quoted and cited every time they are used.

Sample Guidance to Students for Use of AI

AI writing tools such as ChatGPT have valid uses. There are a few things to consider before using them as part of your college studies. First, like all tools, AI has limitations such as generating incorrect information, producing harmful instructions or biased content, and the information used to generate the text is often limited. Second, the act of writing helps our brain to synthesize, clarify, and understand new information. When we use a tool to do even part of this work, we may be shortchanging our own learning.  Finally, not all instructors or even all assignments will allow the use of these type of tools. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to understand the requirements, identify your own learning goals for the class, and prepare your assignment accordingly. 

If you decide to use an AI writing tool for an assignment in this class, you will also need to submit a declaration, like this example, at the top of your assignment.

Example declaration of use of an AI writing tool

I used ChatGPT to complete this assignment. My search words were “effect of nutrition on athletic performance”. I agreed with the six ways nutrition impacts athletic performance, but I adjusted paragraph three to include the importance of adequate hydration. I added a fourth paragraph because the AI text did not include a description of how impacts vary by individuals. I also rewrote the conclusion to align with my other changes.

*Statement Development Credit: Sally Heilstedt, Dean of Instruction at LWTech