In response to the growing integration of digital tools in education, Far Eastern University (FEU) has released updated guidelines on the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within its academic community. Recognizing the dual nature of AI as both a powerful educational tool and a potential threat to academic integrity, FEU has taken a proactive stance to ensure its benefits are maximized without compromising its educational standards.
To address the nuances of AI use, FEU’s revised Academic Integrity policies now include specific guidelines aimed at promoting transparency and defining the appropriate limitations of AI applications. These guidelines are designed to uphold the university’s core principle of student-centered pedagogy and learning.
“AI has been here for a long time, and FEU welcomes its use as an educational tool. However, it should not serve as a replacement for actual students’ performance. That’s why we needed to come up with a policy highlighting academic integrity, and we also conduct workshops to guide students on the proper use of AI tools,” according to Maria Teresa Trinidad P. Tinio, FEU Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
As part of its commitment to maintaining high academic standards, FEU recently celebrated its annual Academic Integrity Day. During this event, both students and faculty participated in discussions on integrity across various industries and technological advancements.
AI as an Educational Tool
The 2024 Work Trend Index by Microsoft Philippines and LinkedIn revealed that 86% of knowledge workers in the Philippines utilize AI tools, underscoring the rising demand for AI competencies among graduates. This trend emphasizes the necessity of integrating AI into the higher education curriculum.
FEU’s new directives encourage the use of AI as long as it fosters “persuasive communication, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, professionalism, and responsible digital citizenship” among students. This initiative aligns with FEU’s mission to produce graduates who are well-prepared for evolving industry demands.
To support this vision, FEU provides its faculty with training and workshops to enhance their proficiency in AI technologies. This training enables educators to incorporate AI into their teaching methods effectively and guide students in leveraging these tools responsibly.
Emphasizing Transparency & Limitations
While embracing AI’s potential to enhance educational quality, FEU remains cautious about its indiscriminate use and the inherent limitations of the technology. One significant concern is AI’s tendency for “hallucination,” where it may generate false citations, incorrect calculations, and inaccurate data. Such errors could mislead students who overly depend on AI.
“The teachers also have to be wise, and they need to know their students’ capabilities, including their writing styles, among others. When they assess their students, they have to ensure that the use of AI is still aligned with the students’ learning outcomes,” Tinio emphasized.
FEU’s guidelines mandate students to disclose the AI tools used in their work. Persistent non-compliance could lead to academic dishonesty charges. To further support students, the FEU Center for Learning Enhancement and Research Services offers workshops on academic integrity, focusing on the responsible use of AI in academic settings.
These comprehensive measures reflect FEU’s dedication to navigating the digital transformation in education while preserving the integrity and quality of its academic programs.