7 Ways to Ethically Use AI for Academic Success

Artificial intelligence in academia: an overview

 

Artificial intelligence is a potent tool that can be used in almost all areas of life, including business and studies. Let’s have a look at some of the main ways AI is revolutionising education (for students and educators): 

 

AI is:

• Enhancing teaching and learning: AI helps make education more engaging and tailored to individual needs. For example, AI-powered personalised learning tools can adapt to a student’s learning pace and comprehension level. 

 

• Streamlining administrative processes: AI can collect and analyse large data sets to predict enrolment trends and optimise classroom usage. It can also automate routine tasks like grading multiple-choice assessments and managing student records. All of this frees up resources and enhances the learning and education experience. 

 

• Addressing academic integrity and assessment: Tools like AI-powered plagiarism checkers allow students to ensure their work is 100% unique. Similarly, lecturers can use these tools to check for plagiarism and ensure submissions remain honest and authentic. 

 

• Fostering research and innovation: AI isn’t just helping students, it’s empowering researchers to make breakthroughs that weren’t possible a few years ago. Students can also use AI to read through their work and discover gaps. This paves the way for more innovation and enables students to gain more insights into their field of study. 
  

 

The ethical side of using AI for academics

 

As AI and technology become more significant in education, its ethical application has taken centre stage. Universities and colleges are becoming increasingly stricter about using AI to aid in studies since tools like ChatGPT can often be misused. 

 

By making deliberate decisions about how and when to use AI, students and educators can ensure that AI remains a valuable asset instead of a harmful shortcut. 

 

When used ethically, AI can help students: 

 

• Brainstorm ideas
• Summarise complex problems
• Enhance ethical thinking
• Grow innovation

 

Conversely, overreliance on AI can hinder students’ development of independent research and problem-solving skills. So, in short, relying on AI too much during your studies can do far more harm than good. 

 

It’s all about keeping a balance. 

 

7 Tips for using AI to improve your undergraduate study experience

 

There are many ways that AI can enhance your learning experience. Here are some of the top ways to use it during your studies.

1. Personalised learning with AI tutors

AI-powered tutors offer students personalised learning based on their individual needs. Imagine having a tutor who gives you personalised lessons based on your struggles. 

 

AI systems can use insights from course materials to create targeted exercises and review sessions that help students get the most out of their studies. 

 

These tools can also break down complex subjects into manageable chunks, making absorbing material easier. 

 

2. Efficient content summarisation

Gone are the days when people had to slog through extended textbooks and research papers to find relevant information. Nowadays, AI can create concise summaries that highlight the key points. 

 

This can be extremely helpful when preparing for exams or when your assignments require specific details. 

 

For example, tools like Perlego can help you pinpoint the most relevant sections in books or articles, making it easier to complete assignments in less time. 

 

3. Interactive study materials

Notetaking is a one-sided approach. With AI, you can turn static notes into interactive tools, like quizzes and flashcards. 

 

This is especially helpful for students who learn better through engagement. This approach makes learning fun and helps with memory retention. 

 

That said, it is essential to combine these tools with more profound study techniques, such as writing out your responses or communicating the concepts with other students. 

 

4. Language and writing assistance

Writing academic papers can be challenging, especially when meeting specific style and formatting guidelines. Tools like Grammarly can help to identify grammatical errors and plagiarism. This can help you fix errors and ensure that your papers are unique. 

 

While these tools also help you with automated text writing, it’s essential to not over-rely on these enhancements and instead stick to expressing your thoughts and ideas. 

 

5. Time management and organisation

Balancing your personal life and studies can be challenging. This is even harder if you have a job on top of your studies. 

 

AI can help generate smart schedules that align with your priorities. These tools can: 

 

• Suggest optimal study hours
• Track upcoming assignments
• Provide structure in your chaotic routines

 

6. Enhancing collaboration

AI has made collaboration easier by connecting students through discussion platforms and shared resources. 

 

Platforms that integrate AI can automatically summarise discussion threads, suggest relevant resources, and track progress on group assignments, ensuring everyone stays on the same page. Still, remember that collaborative efforts should represent genuine participation. 

 

Resist the urge to “farm out” your portion of the work to AI or rely on it too heavily to produce what should be your contribution. Honouring the spirit of teamwork builds more authentic and valuable relationships with your peers.

 

7. Use AI according to your college’s guidelines

Keep in mind that academic institutions often have specific rules regarding the use of AI. You always need to know what’s allowed and what isn’t. 

 

For example, while many colleges allow AI involvement for editing and research, they often don’t allow AI to complete assignments. 

 

When in doubt, be transparent with your professors about your use of AI. This openness fosters trust and ensures you’re staying within ethical boundaries.

 

How an AI course can take you to the next level

An AI course can be profoundly beneficial if you are interested in artificial intelligence and technology within the workplace. 

 

Since artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent in almost all industries, including education, business, and even healthcare, knowing how to use AI in your industry is becoming increasingly important for job security. 

 

As companies implement more technology into their systems, they require workers who understand AI. 

 

Suppose you are on your way to completing your undergraduate studies, or perhaps you already have a degree and are interested in furthering your education. In that case, you can consider AI classes like MANCOSA’s Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence. 

 

This course covers detailed aspects of AI, including programming, machine learning, computational intelligence, and more. 

 

Alternatively, you can consider enrolling in short courses like skillME’s Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Business Leaders. This AI course provides a basic understanding of how AI and ML are used in business, so you know where to implement these tools. 

 

Register for an online artificial intelligence course

If you’re balancing work, life, and studies, AI can help you manage workloads without compromising integrity. By using AI strategically and ethically, students can maximise their academic success while preparing for a future where AI-driven skills are essential.

 

If you’re interested in growing your skills in AI to be more competitive in the job market, you can consider enrolling in the Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence or the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Business Leaders short course.