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A new AI use guide from Elon University and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) is intended to help guide college students as they move through education in a digital AI world. And while the guide is aimed at higher education, high school students may find it useful to frame their ideas of how they might–and might not–use AI in college.
The first edition of the student guide to navigating college in the artificial intelligence era is titled “AI-U/v1.0,” and was developed with the collaboration and review of faculty, scholars, academic leaders, and students at universities around the world.
The guide is offered free to students and institutions to distribute and adapt under a Creative Commons license.
“As AI begins to influence teaching and learning, as well as many operations of colleges and universities, students need a road map to help navigate these changes,” said Elon University President Connie Book in a statement. “This guide was written from the student perspective and includes practical advice on using AI responsibly while in college and preparing for the AI future.”
C. Edward Watson, AAC&U’s vice president for digital innovation, said that using AI effectively has quickly become essential learning for college students. “This guide is indispensable for students as they travel along their AI learning journey,” Watson said.
The guide includes “the essential AI ‘how-to’ manual” with ground rules for students to follow in their classes and a checklist for using AI ethically. Students will find suggestions for ways to use AI, cautions about the downsides of using AI, lists of AI resources, and suggestions for writing prompts. There are also sections on creating an academic journey that prepares students to succeed in an AI-infused world, along with advice about doing a career search using AI.
More than 100 students at multiple universities submitted input and questions for inclusion in the guide, with answers provided by the guide’s authors and editors.
Paul LeBlanc, former president of Southern New Hampshire University, is exploring questions about the future of AI in higher education. He is encouraged that many colleges are embracing the concept of “human-centered AI” and said the guide “combines common sense advice for students about using AI with guidance on developing strong personal relationships and recognizing your own unique knowledge, skills and creativity.”
Ryan McCurdy, senior vice president and president of Lenovo North America, said the guide empowers students as they prepare for AI-driven careers. “With the proper framework, you can harness the power of artificial intelligence to carve your path in a world where technology is not just a tool, but an enabler of innovation, collaboration and creativity,” McCurdy said. “Embrace the learning journey. The skills you cultivate today will be the foundation of tomorrow’s workplace.”
Creation of the guide was coordinated by Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center. Authors, editors and reviewers include 35 faculty, scholars and academic leaders from 14 countries.
The guide will be updated as AI continues to evolve, with changes made to the guide’s website and revised editions published for future academic terms.
The student guide to AI initiative is a continuation of Elon University’s leadership on higher education’s role in preparing humanity for the artificial intelligence revolution. In 2023, Elon coordinated creation of a statement of principles, developed and endorsed by more than 140 higher education organizations, administrators, researchers and faculty members from 48 countries. The statement was released at the 18th annual United Nations Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan.
This press release originally appeared online.
