AI Decision Infographic

Consider sharing the following infographic with students near the beginning of the semester, and perhaps returning to it for some focused reflection, when discussing the uses of Gen AI.

This infographic lays out various factors that students should consider before using AI witht he suggestion that they "hit pause" and reflect first in order to use AI purposefully and responsibly
Courtesy of the BU Libraries

Download a .pdf version of the infographic (text-accessible version below) for use with your students.

Before you use an AI tool, press “pause” and consider:

  1. Personal Motives: What are your goals for using AI for this task?
  2. Accuracy: Do you trust this tool? Can you articulate why?
  3. Ethics: Is the value of you using this tool greater than the impact?
  4. Consequences: What might happen if you use this tool?
  5. Privacy and Confidentiality: Are you comfortable having your prompt tied to your name and email?
  6. Copyright: Do you want to retain the rights to this idea, argument, data, or writing in the future?
  7. Transparency: Are you prepared to show and replicate how you used AI for this task?

  • Will you need to independently know this skill in the future?
  • Have you verified that this tool will produce accurate, up-to-date, quality information?
    • Double-check all information that the tool references by going to the original source.
  • Is there a resource on campus that can help you more effectively pursue this task?
    • Campus resources include writing assistance, therapy, and the library.
  • Have you checked with the people you’re working with that they are okay with your use of AI?
    • BU Academic Conduct Code requires that you disclose your use of AI. Cite it like any other source!
  • Are you inputting any information that is protected by copyright?
    • By inputting your ideas into this tool, you may no longer have creative ownership.
  • Is the data you’ve inputted confidential?
    • Because AI tools train on and share your inputs, don’t share anything confidential.
  • How will you know if the tool produces information that does not exist. This is called a hallucination.
  • Have you confirmed the outputs do not perpetuate biases or stereotypes?
  • Was this tool trained on works (books, articles, art) used without permission?
  • How much energy and water will this task consume?
  • Does using an AI tool for this task minimize the importance of human expertise or creativity?
    • You can pivot to do the task yourself, or find someone who can help!
  • Is your use of AI tools permitted in your class?
    • Be sure to check your assignment, class, or department policy about using AI tools.