AI as a support for learning
As a general rule, students at Tampere University are permitted to use generative AI applications to support their learning and the completion of assignments. Teachers define the principles for AI use and communicate them to students. These principles may vary depending on the course learning outcomes, teaching methods and assessment practices.
Brief introduction to AI guidelines:
- Students are encouraged to use AI as a tool to support their thinking and learning, helping them to achieve the expected learning outcomes – AI should complement, not replace, their understanding.
- Teachers may require, permit or prohibit the use of AI.
- Feel free to ask questions and engage in discussions about the use of AI applications. If in doubt, always consult the teacher.
- Students must acknowledge the use of AI tools in accordance with the instructions provided.
- The misuse of AI constitutes academic misconduct and may lead to disciplinary action.
- Students should consider the carbon footprint and ethical implications of AI use.
When graduates enter the professional world, they are expected to demonstrate independent and critical thinking as well as responsibility and autonomy. Students must learn to evaluate when and how to use AI in a way that supports, rather than replaces, their own thinking and learning.
Students are fully responsible for any content generated using AI tools. When using AI in their academic work, students must strictly follow the University’s guidelines on AI usage. Students must uphold the principles of research integrity at all times. For example, if students generate text using AI, they must ensure that all sources referenced by AI are properly cited and that the ideas of others are not misrepresented as their own.
Students are recommended to use the AI resources provided by Tampere University. When using AI to support learning, students must comply with both the University’s guidelines and legal regulations concerning copyright, personal data processing and confidential information. As a general rule, materials containing confidential information, personal data or intellectual property may only be processed in AI systems that have been institutionally approved by Tampere Universities.
The misuse of AI constitutes academic misconduct and will be investigated in accordance with the University’s guidelines. Examples of AI misuse include submitting final academic work generated by AI, using AI-generated references without verifying their original sources, employing AI in assessments where its use is prohibited, and failing to acknowledge the use of AI in academic submissions.
Acknowledging the use of artificial intelligence
Regardless of the AI application used, students must openly and transparently acknowledge the use of AI as a supportive tool when completing assignments, coursework or theses. Students must identify the AI application they used and describe how it was used and how it influenced the final outcome. As it may be necessary to itemise both the AI input and output, students should save their conversations with AI as part of their learning process. Students must clearly indicate the proportion of their independent contribution versus that of AI.
To acknowledge the use of AI, fill out the University-provided form or follow the teacher’s instructions.
Acknowledging the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in student assignments:
Acknowledging the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in student thesis:
Consider the carbon footprint of AI
The use of AI applications – especially to generate images and videos – consumes significantly more energy than a standard Google search, as these applications rely on systems that require substantial computing power. While AI can be an effective tool to support learning, its use has an impact on the environment. From a carbon footprint perspective, the responsible approach is to use AI tools sparingly, especially for repetitive and routine tasks where lighter digital alternatives may be sufficient.