Helping Students Use AI
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Helping Students Use AI
As AI becomes increasingly common in higher education and the workplace, students need more than access to AI tools; they need the knowledge and skills to use them responsibly and effectively. Educators play an important role in developing students' AI literacy by establishing clear expectations, modeling responsible practices and designing learning experiences that encourage thoughtful AI use.
The AI Education Framework organizes student resources into two complementary pathways. The Student Usage – Independent Use resources help students build foundational habits for responsible AI use. The Student Usage – Intentional Use resources focus on using AI to support learning without replacing critical thinking.
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1Share Resources with Students
Begin by exploring the Student Usage – Independent Use section. These resources are designed to help students develop the habits and decision-making skills needed to use AI responsibly across their academic work.
Topics include:
- understanding ethics and academic integrity,
- being transparent about AI use,
- verifying the accuracy of AI-generated information,
- protecting personal data and privacy,
- appropriately citing AI tools, and
- avoiding overreliance on AI by maintaining ownership of their learning.
This section also includes student-friendly prompt examples that demonstrate how AI can support studying, brainstorming, and skill development while encouraging students to remain active participants in the learning process.
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2Help Students Use AI Intentionally
Once students understand the fundamentals of responsible AI use, direct them to the Student Usage – Intentional Use section. These resources focus on helping students use AI as a learning partner rather than a shortcut.
Students are encouraged to use AI to brainstorm ideas, organize information, ask questions, and receive feedback while maintaining ownership of their work and exercising critical judgment. The framework also emphasizes strategies for recognizing bias, verifying AI-generated information, preserving students' authentic voices, and following instructor expectations for disclosure and academic integrity.
These resources reinforce the idea that AI should support
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3Foster Ongoing AI Literacy
Helping students develop responsible AI practices is an ongoing process rather than a one-time conversation. As you incorporate AI into your courses, revisit these resources with students, reinforce your expectations, and encourage them to reflect on when AI supports their learning and when they should rely on their own knowledge and skills. Building these habits over time prepares students to use AI thoughtfully in future courses, their careers and lifelong learning.
Explore Related Resources
Build on what you've learned with our additional resources within this toolkit, or view other resources within generative AI and teaching in higher ed.