{"id":1149,"date":"2025-08-18T22:32:04","date_gmt":"2025-08-19T02:32:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/aida\/?page_id=1149"},"modified":"2026-06-09T14:47:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T18:47:31","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/aida\/about\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0AI and Me<\/a> | <\/strong>TerrierGPT<\/a>\u00a0| Sustainability<\/a> | BU\u2019s Investment in AI<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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AI and Me<\/h2>\n

I\u2019m a student. How do I know what\u2019s allowed and what\u2019s not when it comes to AI?<\/b><\/p>\n

AI is rapidly evolving, and BU faculty members may freely decide how to set the AI policies for each of their courses, within broad limits established by the BU Academic Conduct Code.\u00a0 Variation across courses is the norm, not the exception.\u00a0 Students are encouraged to review the course policies and consult their instructors for guidance.\u00a0 Please visit our <\/span>Generative AI Guidelines for Students<\/span><\/a> page for specific topics you should consider.<\/span><\/p>\n

We also recommend you take the AI at BU Student Certificate Course. Students who complete the course earn a digital AI at BU Certificate\u2014a shareable credential that can be posted to LinkedIn or shared with employers, signaling their commitment to learning and innovation. Learn more about the course<\/a> and view more frequently asked questions.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Could over-reliance on AI diminish my critical thinking skills and ability to learn?<\/b><\/p>\n

Yes, this is a legitimate concern.\u00a0 Over-reliance could reduce deep thinking and hinder development of problem-solving skills if one turns to AI by default and uses it as a crutch. That\u2019s why we recommend critical engagement with AI: understanding when to use it, when not to, and carefully checking its work.\u00a0 Our AI at BU<\/a> course for students addresses this important topic in depth and helps you develop a personal code of conduct while using AI.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m a faculty member. Do you have advice for setting effective AI policies in my classroom?<\/b><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 BU faculty have broad latitude in setting their AI policies that best align with and facilitate their pedagogical approach.\u00a0 But setting policies involves tradeoffs and considerable nuance. Please visit our <\/span>Generative AI Guidelines for Classroom Use<\/span><\/a> page for specific recommendations drawn from the shared experiences of BU faculty.\u00a0 Your unit or college may also have recommended AI policy settings.\u00a0 This topic will also be covered in our AI Faculty In-Studio Workshops<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

I do not support AI use in my classroom.\u00a0 But I have a concern that this philosophy might be viewed, either now or in the near future, as not aligned with BU’s AI initiatives. Also, can BU provide a technology solution to help me prevent students from using AI in my classroom?<\/b><\/p>\n

AIDA’s philosophy is principled upon academic freedom and the rights of faculty members.\u00a0 Supporting those who wish to engage with AI, and encouraging AI innovation does not come at the expense of eroding the rights of others.\u00a0\u00a0AIDA fully endorses faculty members who, for example, wish to keep their classrooms AI free.\u00a0 See for example, the workshop on <\/a>AI-free classrooms<\/a> that AIDA co-sponsored on Feb 4. We believe that setting\u00a0 an AI policy is a choice best made by individual instructors in concert with their local academic units.<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of technology, as noted in our guidelines for classroom use<\/a>, AI detection tools are fallible, so attempting to police student use in this way is not advisable and could create a class dynamic where faculty are policing rather\u00a0 than teaching.\u00a0\u00a0Installing a browser blocker or “turning off the Internet” to prevent AI use in the classroom is also inadequate.\u00a0 Students can download and install a local copy of AI on their laptop, or even on their phone,\u00a0 so they don’t need a browser or the Internet to access AI in the classroom. Bottom line:\u00a0 having students check their devices at the door is the only surefire way to prevent AI use in the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

How can I further enhance my understanding of AI?<\/b><\/p>\n