Introduction
As Generative AI (GenAI) become more intertwined with academics, it's important that students and instructors know the ethical bounds of GenAI, especially while at the University of South Carolina.
Teaching Resources
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is defined by Khan (2025) as:
... a type of Artificial Intelligence that focuses on creating new content or data. It can generate realistic images, videos, texts, and sounds that may appear to be created by humans. Unlike traditional AI, which analyzes and interprets data, Generative AI goes a step further by producing new, original output.
Examples of what Gen AI can produce, but are not limited to:
- Writing and Text Generation
- Deepfakes [video or image]
- Music Composition
- Art Creation
- Product Design
Khan, Richard R. AI Glossary : Demystifying 101 Essential Artificial Intelligence Terms for Everyone. First edition. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2025. Taylor & Francis Ebooks, http://https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/9781003600268/ai-glossary-richard-khan
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The AI Glossary: Demystifying 101 Essential Artificial Intelligence Terms for Everyone
by
Call Number: Online (ebook)Publication Date: 2025
Ethical or the responsible use of generative ai depends on what is being asked of the student/person. For instance, if a student is being evaluated on writing ability, then asking GenAI to assist with writing is unethical. Below are some example scenarios, but for more guidance, the Student Conduct & Academic Integrity Department has a page on AI usage at USC:
- Ethical Gen AI Usage:
- To brainstorm ideas for an assignment
- Organizing a paper (and not add or exchange any words written by the student)
- Teaching/explaining how a literature review should be organized
- Assist with outlining a paper or thought process
- Unethical (if being graded to...):
- Write content being turned in
- Solve equations or write code that is being turned in
- Analyze readings for a grade
- Analyze and clean data for a grade
If AI is incorporated into the final piece of a project or writing, it is recommended that the use is cited in the preferred citation method. If writing an academic research paper with a methods section, adding an attribution statement is considered best practices.
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AI Citation Guide - University of South CarolinaThis guide is useful for the following citation styles and purposes:
- AI attribution statements and best practices
- Citing AI in ACS, APA, Chicago, and MLA Styles
- Accessing USC's AI Academic Integrity Policy
Activities
What is ethical AI?
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[Module] How to Use Generative AI in Academic Settings - Dr. Heather SaigoThis interactive module (with knowledge checks) will help students to identify appropriate scenarios where Gen AI can be a tool in academic settings and understand the risk associated with the use of these tools.
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Using Generative AI WorksheetSmall group activity adapted for the use of USC students and faculty. Users will engage with multiple ethical methods of using generative AI in an academic setting.
Resources
What is GenAI?
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Beginner's Guide to Generative AI - University of South CarolinaIn this beginners guide, users can find an index containing common terms and phrases that are often seen with the topic of GenAI. Also found on this page are AI workshops free to USC patrons.
What is ethical AI?
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Ethical and Responsible Use of AI for Students - California State UniversityThis guide published by California State University is a great resource to determine if an action is considered unethical when using AI in the classroom.