Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: FAQ’s
The latest generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems is impacting teaching and learning in many ways, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the ways our course instructors and students engage in learning. At the University of Toronto, we remain committed to providing students with transformative learning experiences and to supporting instructors as they adapt their pedagogy in response to this emerging technology.
Many generative AI systems have become available, including Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, and others. These AI tools use predictive technology to create or revise written products of all kinds, including essays, computer code, lesson plans, poems, reports, and letters. They also summarize text, respond to questions, and so on. The products that the tools create are generally of good quality, although they can have inaccuracies. We encourage you to try these systems to test their capabilities and limitations.
Sample Syllabus Statements
Revised April 2024: The University has created sample statements for instructors to include in course syllabi and course assignments to help shape the message to students about what AI technology is, or is not, allowed. These statements may be used for both graduate and undergraduate level courses.
You may also want to include a statement to the effect that students may be asked to explain their work at a meeting with the instructor. While you can call a student in for such a discussion whether you include a statement to this effect on your syllabus or not, a reminder of this on the syllabus may help remind students that they are responsible for the work they submit for credit.
Microsoft Copilot
In December 2023, Microsoft Copilot (formerly Bing AI) became available to all U of T faculty, librarians, and staff. This protected version is now also available to U of T students. Copilot is an enterprise version of an AI-powered chatbot and search engine which better protects the privacy and security of end users (when users are signed into their U of T account). Copilot, like other generative AI tools, may provide information that is not correct (“hallucinations”), and it is up to each individual user to determine if the results are acceptable. For information and instructions on accessing the enterprise edition, please read and adhere to the Microsoft Copilot guidelines for use.
If you are an instructor who is interested in using generative AI with students or to develop course materials, review the FAQ below for considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Generative AI
Student Use of Generative AI
Instructor Use of Generative AI
Have feedback or want more information?
If you have any suggestions for teaching and learning resources that would be helpful to you as a course instructor, or if you have any other questions about generative AI at U of T that are not addressed through this FAQ, contact us now: