Guideline
Consider disparities in resources such as cost and accessibility when selecting AI tools for courses. While you may use AI tools not directly licensed by the university, make sure they are approved through appropriate university channels.
When selecting AI technologies for use in teaching and learning, it is important to consider the factors that influence a student’s ability to access and responsibly use these tools. The AI tools you choose should comply with accessibility standards and institutional policies for data protection and privacy. By limiting your use of AI tools and applications to those approved through appropriate university channels, you help safeguard protected data and minimize unintended violations of data privacy laws such as FERPA, GDPR, and HIPAA.
Acceptable Technology Use
FSU’s Acceptable Use of Technology Policy prohibits use of third-party tools not approved by Procurement Services, Office of the General Counsel, and the Information Security and Privacy Office.
Third-Party Vendor Standard
FSU's IT Third-Party Vendor Management Standard outlines the university’s requirements for requesting and managing tools and applications licensed through a third-party vendor.
ITS Software/Service Checklist
FSU’s ITS Software/Service Checklist is required for the purchase of software, including AI tools and applications, and ensures software is appropriately vetted for the security of protected data.
Consider Student Needs
Cost
Will the costs associated with using the tool present a financial hardship for some students?
Accessibility
Does the tool’s design and navigability adequately accommodate the needs of students with a disability?
Training
What training will be necessary for students to be able to use the tool effectively and responsibly?
Be mindful of student needs when assigning AI tools or applications for coursework. In addition to evaluating the cost for students to use a tool, pay attention to a tool’s minimum technical requirements. Tools requiring a higher-end computer to operate effectively may pose a financial hardship for students, and students with a disability will find a tool difficult or impossible to use if it fails to comply with minimum accessibility standards. Regardless of the AI tools and technologies used in your class, make sure all students receive the training they need to use these technologies responsibly and that any costs are clearly disclosed in the course syllabus.
Opt for University-Supported AI Tools
Tools used for instruction must have safeguards in place to protect student information and institutional content. The university provides several AI tools and technologies to support teaching and learning at FSU. These tools are subject to agreements between the university and vendors to ensure compliance with institutional policies and laws governing data privacy.
Follow FSU’s Process to Purchase Additional Tools
Interested in a discipline-specific or other AI tool not already licensed by the university? As long as you follow the university’s standard purchasing process, you may use other AI tools. FSU’s purchasing process includes a review of third-party vendor privacy policies, terms of use, intellectual property clauses, and data storage practices. After considering the student needs mentioned above, follow your department’s standard purchasing process, being sure to include a completed ITS Software/Service Checklist with your purchasing documents.
Avoid Free AI Tools & Applications
Instructors are responsible for taking all necessary precautions to safeguard protected data by limiting use of AI tools and applications to those approved through appropriate university channels. AI tools and applications present significant data security risks when they are not subject to an agreement with the university to protect student information and institutional content. Sharing information with AI tools not licensed by the university (or approved through the appropriate university channels) can lead to unintended violations of data privacy laws such as FERPA, GDPR, and HIPAA. See the Data Protection & Privacy page to learn more.
Tools
Looking for AI services available for you? We will help you find the AI tools to augment your work as a student, faculty, or staff member. Request university IT services in just a couple of clicks with the resources linked below.
