# Computer Architecture (2025 Fall): Guidelines for Student Use of AI Tools

## Purpose and Scope
This course encourages students to make thoughtful use of AI tools as a means to enhance learning, improve productivity, and explore new ways of problem-solving. At the same time, clear guidelines are necessary to ensure that such use strengthens, rather than replaces, students' own critical thinking, creativity, and academic integrity. The following policies define the appropriate use of Google Search, generative AI tools, and related technologies in this course.

## Definitions
**AI Tools** refer to technologies that assist in generating or refining content, including but not limited to:
* Large language models (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Bard)
* Code generation platforms (e.g., GitHub Copilot, CodeWhisperer)
* AI-driven writing assistants (e.g., Grammarly AI, QuillBot)
* Image or multimedia generation tools, when relevant to coursework

**Traditional Research Tools** include Google Search, academic databases, and other online resources. Their use remains subject to established citation and academic honesty requirements.

## 1. General Usage Policy

**Permitted Uses:**
- Students may use AI tools to aid learning and complete assignments, except where explicitly restricted.
- AI assistance is encouraged for brainstorming, initial research, and skill development
- All use of AI tools must be transparent and appropriately documented.

**Prohibited Uses:**
- Submitting AI-generated content as original work without meaningful personal input or substantial modification.
- Using AI tools during closed-book examinations or other restricted assessments unless explicitly authorized.
- In open-book assessments where AI tools are permitted, violating additional restrictions—such as using screenshots, screen captures, or any form of image processing—is prohibited.
- Relying on AI to bypass core learning objectives by delegating essential analytical or creative tasks.

## 2. Course-Specific Restrictions
**Default Policy:** AI tools are generally permitted unless stated otherwise.

**Restricted Contexts:** Additional limitations may apply in the following situations:
- Quizzes and examinations (restrictions will be announced in advance)
- Specific assignments designated as "AI-restricted"
- Final projects, where AI tools may be used only as support; transparency is required, and the student's own contribution must remain central
- Peer assessments and group activities, subject to the specific policies in place

Students are responsible for reviewing the instructions for each assignment and should seek clarification whenever requirements are unclear.

## 3. Assignment Guidelines and Academic Integrity

### 3.1 Acceptable AI Assistance
Students may use AI tools for the following purposes, provided their own critical thinking and core contributions remain central:
* **Language Enhancement**: Improving grammar, refining style, and enhancing clarity of writing.
* **Research Support**: Exploring topics, identifying relevant sources, and clarifying concepts in the early stages of inquiry.
* **Technical Assistance**: Debugging code, generating test cases, or producing proof-of-concept snippets to validate ideas. Students may also use AI to help complete tool-level details once the main design or problem-solving approach has been established independently.
* **Formatting and Organization**: Structuring documents, preparing outlines, formatting citations, or managing other presentational elements.

### 3.2 Unacceptable AI Usage
The following constitute violations of academic integrity:
* **Direct Submission**: Presenting AI-generated text, code, or analysis as one’s own work without disclosure.
* **Substantial Replacement**: Allowing AI to fulfill essential requirements of an assignment without meaningful personal contribution.
* **Circumventing Learning**: Relying on AI to perform tasks that are central to the course’s learning objectives, thereby obscuring the student’s own understanding.

### 3.3 The "Substantial Personal Contribution" Standard
All submitted work must clearly reflect the student’s own intellectual effort. This includes:
* Demonstrating original thinking and analysis
* Showing personal understanding of the subject matter
* Synthesizing ideas and concepts in an individual manner
* Making student-driven decisions in design, problem-solving, and overall approach

## 4. Documentation and Transparency Requirements

### 4.1 Citation and Attribution
Students must clearly document the role of AI tools in their work. Proper attribution ensures transparency, distinguishes personal contributions from AI assistance, and upholds academic honesty.

Students must:
* **Acknowledge AI Usage**: Include a brief statement specifying which AI tools were used and for what purposes (e.g., translation, formatting, debugging).
* **Cite AI-Generated Content**: Direct quotations or substantial ideas from AI outputs must be attributed in the same way as external sources.
* **Maintain Academic Honesty**: Disclose AI support with the same integrity expected for human collaboration, references, or other resources.

**Suggested Attribution Format:**
* This assignment was completed with assistance from [AI Tool Name] for [specific purpose, e.g., "grammar checking and initial brainstorming"]. All final analysis and conclusions are my own.
* This document was originally written by the student between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m. on September 22. It was then translated into English and reformatted with the assistance of ChatGPT.

### 4.2 Development Process Documentation
To demonstrate authentic learning and substantial personal contribution, all major assignments must include evidence of incremental development. Students should ensure that their work reflects ongoing effort, not a single one-time output.

**For Written Work:**
- Use collaborative platforms (e.g., HackMD, Google Docs) with visible revision histories.
- Provide multiple drafts that span reasonable time intervals.
- Document the research process, outline creation, and iterative revisions.
- Retain timestamps that clearly show the progression of work over time.

**For Code Projects:**
- Employ version control systems (e.g., GitHub, GitLab) with consistent, meaningful commits.
- Write clear, descriptive commit messages that explain the purpose of each change and reflect project progress. Follow established best practices (see [How to Write a Git Commit Message](https://cbea.ms/git-commit/)) to ensure messages are concise, informative, and meaningful.
- Show the evolution of problem-solving through multiple iterations.
- Document testing, validation, and debugging activities.

**For All Assignments:**
- Submit a short reflection describing the development process.
- Note key challenges encountered and how they were addressed.
- Demonstrate learning growth, conceptual mastery, and independent contributions throughout the work.

## 5. Enforcement and Accountability

### 5.1 Evaluation Criteria
Instructors will assess submissions based on:
- **Process Evidence:** Clear documentation of incremental development
- **Personal Contribution:** Demonstration of original thinking and understanding
- **Learning Objectives:** Achievement of course-specific goals and competencies
- **Academic Integrity:** Proper attribution and transparency in AI usage

### 5.2 Violation Response
**First-Level Concerns:**
- Assignments lacking sufficient development history may be returned for revision.
- Students may be asked to provide additional documentation or explanation of their process.
- Resubmission will be permitted, though grade adjustments may apply.

**Serious Violations:**
- Work judged to be primarily AI-generated without substantial personal contribution will receive no credit.
- Deceptive practices or failure to disclose AI usage may trigger formal academic integrity proceedings.
- Repeated or egregious violations may result in significant penalties, including negative impact on the final course grade.

### 5.3 Appeals and Clarification
Students who disagree with violation determinations may:
- Request a meeting with the instructor to review evidence and discuss concerns
- Provide additional documentation of their development process
- Seek clarification on guidelines for future assignments

## 6. Learning and Development Focus
These guidelines are designed to:
- **Enhance Learning:** AI tools should supplement, not replace, critical thinking and skill development
- **Prepare for Professional Practice:** Develop appropriate professional standards for AI tool usage
- **Build Digital Literacy:** Foster understanding of AI capabilities and limitations
- **Maintain Academic Standards:** Ensure assessments accurately measure student competencies

## 7. Staying Current
Because AI technology evolves quickly, these guidelines may be revised during the course. Students are responsible for:
* Reviewing any updates before beginning major assignments
* Seeking clarification whenever the appropriate use of AI tools is uncertain
* Remaining aware of new tools and understanding their acceptable applications

**Questions or concerns about these guidelines should be directed to the instructor before assignment submission.**