So, you've used AI in your school work or in a co-op placement, with permission of course! Now what?
There is an expectation you will disclose your use. But what is disclosure? And how would you do that anyway? The Artificial Intelligence Disclosure (AID) Framework is here to help. Here are a few things to consider:
Why do I have to disclose my use of AI?
Disclosure of AI use is needed to help others understand how and why you have used AI tools. It helps clarify your unique contributions as a human and builds important AI literacy skills that will be needed in your future career and life. Using proper AI disclosure helps students:
- Develop essential digital, technological, and AI literacy skills with ethical practice in mind
- Build academic integrity habits
- Learn to think critically about when and how to use AI tools
- Understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI
What is the AID Framework?
The AID Framework is a tool developed here at the University of Waterloo to help you consistently and transparently disclose the artificial intelligence tools you have used, and the purpose behind using those tools, in your research or coursework.
How do I use the AID Framework for AI disclosure?
The AID Framework has 14 different element headings that represent the many ways students (and scholars) might use AI tools in their work. An AID Statement will always include the core element Artificial Intelligence Tool(s):, but you select the other elements that relate to your work. Even the most complex assignment would not use all 14 elements. If something doesn’t apply, just skip it.
What does an AID statement look like?
Here is a sample AID Statement for a group presentation in an engineering design course:
Artificial Intelligence Tool(s): ChatDiagram, January 2025; Microsoft Copilot (University of Waterloo institutional license), January 15-25 2025; DALL-E 3, January 24-25, 2025; Execution: ChatDiagram was used to create the design schematic, Microsoft Copilot was used to organize notes and create the headings and text for presentation slides; Privacy and Security: Presentation information was protected by using the Microsoft Copilot University of Waterloo institutional instance; Visualization: DALL-E was used to generate images for our presentation.
What if I’m not sure what AID Framework element to use?
Pick what makes the most sense for your assignment. AI disclosure practice is still new and getting in the habit of disclosing your use is more important right now than picking the “right” AID Framework element.
Where does an AID Framework statement go in my assignment?
The AID statement is added after the end of the last paragraph immediately prior to your works cited, bibliography, or references entries. For presentations or posters, the statement can also be added just before references.
If I use the AID Framework do I still have to use citations?
Yes. Disclosure and citation are meant to work together in AI use. If a specific portion of your assignment is AI generated (e.g. a graph in a lab report), then you would provide a direct citation for that portion as recommended by the citation style you are using. You would also include an AID Framework statement indicating the use of an AI tool for visualization and any other aspects of the report where you used AI.
Is there anything to help me more easily create an AID statement?
Absolutely! The Libraries’ ChatGPT and Generative Artificial Intelligence Guide has a rubric that can help you build your AID statement and keep track of your AI use. Some instructors are even happy to simply have a copy of the rubric attached to the assignment for your AI disclosure. Always check with your instructor about their preferences.
AI is a powerful tool and one that should be used with caution and full disclosure. Consult your syllabus or your instructor directly to be sure you complete all your course assessments with academic integrity