Guida Studenti: Integrità Accademica con IA

Understanding the Stakes

Before diving into guidelines, it is important to understand why academic integrity matters—not just to avoid punishment, but for your own benefit.

Why Integrity Matters

• Skill Development: Education develops capabilities you will need throughout your career
• Genuine Learning: Shortcuts prevent you from truly understanding material
• Professional Preparation: Employers value people who can think and create independently
• Personal Growth: Overcoming challenges builds confidence and capability
• Fair Competition: Cheating disadvantages honest students

Understanding AI Tools

What AI Can Do

• Generate human-like text on almost any topic
• Answer questions and explain concepts
• Help with brainstorming and organization
• Check grammar and suggest improvements
• Translate between languages
• Summarize long documents

What AI Cannot Do

• Guarantee factual accuracy
• Provide original research or primary sources
• Understand your specific assignment context
• Replace critical thinking and analysis
• Develop your writing skills for you
• Take responsibility for your work

Know Your Institution's Policies

What to Find Out

1. Does your institution have an AI use policy?
2. Do individual courses have specific guidelines?
3. Is AI assistance ever acceptable, and under what conditions?
4. What are the consequences of policy violations?
5. Who can you ask if you are unsure?

When in Doubt

If policies are unclear:

• Ask your instructor directly
• Err on the side of caution
• Disclose any AI assistance you receive
• Document your own work process

Ethical AI Use: A Framework

Generally Acceptable Uses

• Learning concepts and getting explanations
• Brainstorming ideas (that you then develop yourself)
• Grammar and spell checking
• Getting feedback on your own writing
• Practicing and studying

Generally Unacceptable Uses

• Submitting AI-generated text as your own work
• Having AI write assignments for you
• Using AI without disclosure when required
• Copying AI output without understanding it

The Gray Areas

These require instructor guidance:

• Using AI to help outline or structure papers
• Having AI paraphrase or rewrite your sentences
• Using AI for research assistance
• Collaborative projects involving AI

Developing Genuine Skills

Writing Skills

To become a better writer:

1. Practice regularly without AI assistance
2. Read extensively in your field
3. Seek feedback from instructors and peers
4. Revise your own work multiple times
5. Use AI feedback to learn, not to replace your effort

Critical Thinking

AI cannot think for you. Develop your analytical abilities by:

• Questioning assumptions and evidence
• Considering multiple perspectives
• Making connections between ideas
• Forming and defending your own opinions

Research Skills

Learn to:

• Find and evaluate credible sources
• Synthesize information from multiple sources
• Cite sources properly
• Distinguish between facts and opinions

Practical Tips

Before Starting an Assignment

1. Review the assignment requirements carefully
2. Check for any AI-related guidelines
3. Plan your approach and timeline
4. Identify what resources you can use

During the Writing Process

1. Start with your own ideas and outline
2. Write a first draft yourself
3. Use AI for specific, limited assistance if allowed
4. Always verify any information AI provides
5. Keep your authentic voice

Before Submitting

1. Review your work for authenticity
2. Ensure you understand everything you have written
3. Check that you can explain and defend your work
4. Disclose any AI assistance as required

What If You Have Made Mistakes?

If you have already used AI inappropriately:

• Consider speaking with your instructor proactively
• Understand the learning opportunity
• Commit to integrity going forward
• Seek support if you are struggling with coursework

Conclusion

AI tools are powerful, but they are no substitute for genuine learning. By using them ethically and focusing on skill development, you will get more from your education and be better prepared for your future career. When in doubt, prioritize your own growth over short-term convenience.

Prova il rilevatore IA e l'AI Humanizer di StealthWrite per mettere in pratica queste idee.