Ethical guidelines concerning education and studies updated, including with a section on the use of AI
Ethical guidelines concerning the university’s education and teaching have been updated and published on the Students’ Uniarts website. The guidelines include a section on Uniarts Helsinki’s policy concerning the use of AI applications in studies as well as information on checking the originality of written study attainments in the Turnitin system. The translations of the document will be added to the website in October.
Updating the guidelines became topical last spring when it was noticed that there was a need to establish clearer policies concerning certain themes, especially concerning the use of AI applications and the use of Turnitin, a system for verifying the originality of written study attainments. The new updated ethical guidelines also provide more information on how the RCR guidelines are applied to master-level thesis projects and on the processes of handling misconduct and the roles of people involved in the processes.
The update process was a joint effort of the academic affairs team and the legal team, and the progress was monitored and commented on by the executive group for bachelor’s and master’s education and various experts of the university. The final approval was given by the Uniarts Helsinki executive group. The guidelines complement the university’s Code of Conduct.
Curiosity to use new technologies like AI applications is encouraged
AI systems are constantly evolving future tools of working life, which is why it is important that both teachers and students learn about the use of ChatGPT or other similar AI applications and about the related terms of use and data protection. The ethics of using AI at universities is determined based on responsible artistic and research practices, and responsible copyright practices must also be observed when using AI.
Checking the originality of study attainments and to-be-published research results is part of ensuring ethics in education and teaching
Uniarts Helsinki uses a shared system, Turnitin, for verifying the originality of study attainments. The system recognises similarities between written texts, which helps in detecting plagiarism. In addition to checking the originality of texts, the system can also be used in supervision and assessment processes in connection with studies. The Turnitin system can be accessed via the Moodle learning platform, and the use of Feedback Studio will gradually come to an end.