Guidelines for the use of AI

Different courses may have different instructions on how artificial intelligence may, may not, or even must be used. The guidance provided by teachers is intended to support your learning in the best possible way.

The teachers’ guidance is based on Metropolia’s own instructions, which in turn are grounded in the recommendations issued by Arene (the Rectors’ Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences) on the use of artificial intelligence in universities of applied sciences.

Arene’s recommendations for the use of AI are structured according to a four-level traffic light model:

• Blue – Required, must be used, must be reported
• Red – Prohibited, not to be used
• Yellow – Allowed, can be used, must be reported
• Green – Allowed, can be used, need not be reported

For more detailed information on the guidance for each course, please consult your teacher.. 

When making use of artificial intelligence, it is important to follow the instructions given in the course and to familiarise yourself with the terms of use of the applications.

How I use AI?

As a rule, you may make use of AI in many different ways to support your learning, as long as you follow good study practices and, when required, describe your use of AI clearly.

Below are some examples of situations in which you may use AI to support your learning, unless otherwise instructed on the course:

• You can have conversations with AI on different topics and ask for additional information. However, always approach AI-generated content with a critical eye.
• You can use AI as a tutor or sparring partner, for example by asking it to pose questions related to the subject.
• You can ask AI for feedback on your own ideas and develop them further.
• You can ask AI for ideas to support teamwork in group assignments.
• You can use AI to polish the language, summarise or translate text you have written yourself, unless this is specifically prohibited in other instructions. Note, however, that AI-generated text or translations are not necessarily error-free.
• For thesis work, more detailed instructions on the use and reporting of AI are provided on the Use of AI in Thesis Work page.

What must not be done with AI?

• Using AI in situations where it is explicitly prohibited (e.g. the maturity test) is considered academic misconduct and will result in the rejection of the assessment.
• Having AI produce complete texts or other outputs on your behalf is, as a rule, not permitted.

• Sensitive information, such as personal data, must not be entered into AI applications. By providing such information to an online AI tool, you may unintentionally violate ethical principles as well as legal requirements, for example concerning data protection or copyright.

   

What requires special attention?

• Do not rely blindly on generative AI outputs – always verify information from other sources. Generative AI may produce content (e.g. texts and images) that is fabricated or misleading. Cross-checking information is an essential part of responsible studying.
• AI-generated material can be biased, drawing on limited sources or reproducing errors and distorted ways of thinking found in its training data. When searching for information, use scholarly articles and other reliable sources, and the tools designed for accessing them.
• The use of AI and the way in which it is described in your work must follow the instructions given in the course.

More detailed guidance on the use and reporting of AI in thesis work is provided on the Use of AI in Thesis Work webpage.