academic-integrity-v2
Chapter 6: AI Use in Assignments
If you can’t explain your code, you didn’t write it.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can help you learn, but they can also reduce your understanding if you rely on them too much. Assignments are designed to build your skills, not just produce working code.
Understanding Code
Using AI to understand code is always acceptable acceptable. This would be the equivalent of using coding documentation.
Examples:
- Explaining code
- Debugging errors
- Clarifying concepts
Writing Code
Using AI to write portions of code is sometimes acceptable. This would be the equivalent of using coding examples.
- Follow assignment guidelines
- Make sure you understand the code
- Be able to explain your solution
- Cite your AI generated snippet
Generating Complete Solutions
Using AI to generate full solutions (“vibe coding”) is only acceptable if the assignment permits it.
- Do not submit fully AI-generated work unless allowed
- Do not rely on AI to complete the majority of an assignment
Next Steps
Each assignment will have different rules for what existing code can be incorporated into an assignment. In the next chapter we will review how to read Assignment Academic Integrity Guidelines.
Previous Chapter - Home - Next Chapter
