Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and others have rapidly evolved since 2022, creating opportunities and challenges for teaching and learning at UW-Milwaukee. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll need to navigate how AI affects your role, your students’ work, and your teaching practices.
This page provides guidance to help you make informed decisions about AI in your teaching context, whether you’re leading discussion sections, grading assignments, or serving as a primary instructor.
Understanding Your Role with AI
Consult Your Supervisor First
Before making any decisions about AI policies or tools in your classes, discuss AI approaches with your supervising instructor and/or department. Different departments, courses, and instructors may have varying policies about AI use. Your role is to support and implement the course’s overall AI policy, not create your own.
Key Questions to Discuss with Your Supervisor:
- What is the course’s policy on student AI use?
- Are there specific AI tools students are permitted or prohibited from using?
- How should AI policies be communicated to students?
- What should you do if you suspect inappropriate AI use?
- Are there AI tools that might help you with your TA responsibilities?
AI and Student Academic Integrity
Responding to Suspected AI Misuse
If you suspect a student has used AI inappropriately:
- Document your concerns but do not accuse the student immediately
- Consult your supervising instructor before taking any action
- Never upload student work to external AI tools to check for AI use – this violates FERPA
- Avoid AI detection software – these tools are unreliable and may violate student privacy
- If directed by your supervisor, have a private conversation with the student about your concerns
For detailed guidance on handling suspected AI misuse, see the Academic Misconduct section of this handbook.
Appropriate AI Use in Your TA Role
Potential Benefits for TAs:
- Lesson planning: Brainstorming discussion questions or activities
- Feedback preparation: Drafting general feedback frameworks (without including student work)
- Administrative tasks: Creating templates for common communications
- Professional development: Learning about teaching strategies
Important Limitations:
- Never input student work into external AI tools due to FERPA restrictions
- Do NOT use AI for grading decisions or providing student feedback
- Avoid replacing human judgment in student interactions
- Be transparent if you use AI to create any materials for students
Helping Students Use AI Appropriately
Teaching Responsible AI Use
When permitted by your course policies, help students understand:
- The difference between AI as a learning tool vs. doing the work for them
- How to cite AI use when required
- The importance of developing their own critical thinking skills
- When AI use is and isn’t appropriate for specific assignments
Staying Informed and Getting Support
UWM Resources
- CETL AI Resources: Visit the CETL Artificial Intelligence and Teaching website for current guidance and workshop opportunities
- Department Policies: Check with your department for specific AI guidelines
- Professional Development: Attend CETL and other campus workshops on AI in education
This page was written with assistance from Claude 4
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