ChatGPT and Generative AI in the Classroom
The latest generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems will impact 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.
While many generative AI systems have recently become available, ChatGPT is currently the most prominent, garnering worldwide media attention. This is an AI tool that uses predictive technology to create or revise written products of all kinds, including essays, computer code, lesson plans, poems, reports, and letters. The products that the tool creates are generally of good quality, although they can have inaccuracies. We encourage you to try the system to test its capabilities and limitations.
In this FAQ, ChatGPT refers to the free, online AI chat system that utilizes the OpenAI GPT technology. Please note that this is only one of a variety of generative AI tools currently available.
Sample Syllabus Statements
April 2023: 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.
SGS Guidelines
July 2023: The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) has announced new Guidance on the Appropriate Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Graduate Theses which will be of interest to graduate students, supervisors, supervisory committee members, Graduate Chairs and Graduate Units.
Copyright Considerations
September 2023: There remains significant legal uncertainty with the use of generative AI tools and copyright. This is an evolving area, and our understanding will develop as new policies, regulations, and case law becomes settled. Some of the concerns surrounding generative AI and copyright include:
- Input: Concerns as to whether content used to train AI systems infringe copyright or if the copying of the material constitutes fair dealing / fair use.
- Output: Are works created by humans using generative AI tools entitled to copyright protection? How do we determine human involvement in the expression of the work?
If you have further questions about copyright, please view the U of T Libraries webpage, Generative AI tools and Copyright Considerations.
If you are an instructor who is interested in in using generative AI to develop course materials, review the FAQ below for considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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: