Learn. Create. Innovate. Use AI Responsibly. This student-centered resource helps PATHS University students understand, explore, and responsibly use artificial intelligence technologies in their academic, professional, and personal development.
Artificial intelligence is transforming how people learn, communicate, conduct research, solve problems, create content, and work across industries. PATHS University encourages students to develop the knowledge and digital literacy necessary to use AI thoughtfully while maintaining academic integrity, critical thinking, creativity, privacy, and ethical responsibility.
What Is Artificial Intelligence?
Understanding AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to technologies that enable computers and digital systems to perform tasks that traditionally require aspects of human intelligence.
Answering questions
Summarizing information
Generating ideas
Analyzing information
Translating languages
Identifying patterns
Creating text, images, audio, and other content
Supporting research and problem-solving
Providing personalized learning assistance
AI can be a powerful educational resource, but AI-generated information may be incomplete, inaccurate, biased, or outdated.
Why Students Should Learn About AI
Build Skills for Learning and the Workplace
Develop Digital Literacy
Understand how modern AI technologies work and how they affect education, business, healthcare, government, communication, and other fields.
Improve Productivity
Use appropriate AI tools to brainstorm, organize information, create outlines, and support routine tasks.
Strengthen Critical Thinking
Evaluate AI-generated information instead of automatically accepting it as accurate.
Prepare for the Workforce
Develop responsible AI skills that can be applied to future careers and professional environments.
Encourage Innovation
Explore new ways technology can support creativity, research, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving.
AI & Academic Integrity
Ask Before You Use AI for Coursework
Students are responsible for understanding whether AI use is permitted for a particular assignment, examination, project, discussion, or course activity. An instructor may establish specific requirements regarding the use of AI.
Is AI permitted for this assignment?
What type of AI assistance is permitted?
Do I need to disclose or document my use of AI?
Does my use of AI demonstrate my own learning?
Have I verified the information generated by the AI tool?
If you are unsure, ask your instructor before using AI.
Appropriate AI-Supported Learning
Examples of Appropriate Use
Brainstorm possible research topics.
Develop questions for further research.
Create study guides.
Explain difficult concepts in different ways.
Generate practice questions.
Improve understanding of vocabulary or terminology.
Organize ideas for a paper or presentation.
Practice communication skills.
Explore alternative perspectives on an academic topic.
Identify areas where additional research may be needed.
Review grammar and writing mechanics.
Verify Before You Trust AI
Verification Is an Essential AI Skill
AI systems can produce information that sounds convincing but is incorrect. Students should verify important information through reliable sources.
Who created the original information?
Is there a credible source supporting the claim?
Can I confirm this information independently?
Is the information current?
Does the information make sense in context?
Could the AI have misunderstood the question?
For academic work, prioritize peer-reviewed research, scholarly publications, official government sources, academic databases, textbooks, and other authoritative resources when appropriate.
Protect Your Privacy
Do Not Enter Sensitive Information into AI Tools
Passwords
Student identification numbers
Financial information
Private medical information
Confidential University records
Private information about other students
Confidential employer information
Unpublished research
Proprietary business information
When using an AI platform, review its privacy and data-use policies before entering information.
AI for Research
Use AI to Support—Not Replace—Scholarly Research
Brainstorm research questions.
Identify potential keywords.
Develop search strategies.
Organize research notes.
Compare concepts.
Generate questions for further investigation.
Students should use the University's approved library resources and scholarly databases to locate and verify academic sources.
AI in Different Fields
How AI Is Being Used Across Disciplines
Business
AI can support data analysis, marketing, customer service, entrepreneurship, project management, and business decision-making.
Education
AI can support instructional planning, personalized learning, educational technology, and research.
Healthcare
AI is being used in areas such as data analysis, clinical decision support, medical imaging, and healthcare administration.
Agriculture
AI can support precision agriculture, crop monitoring, environmental analysis, and resource management.
Information Technology
AI plays an important role in software development, cybersecurity, automation, data science, and information systems.
Human Services
AI can support data analysis, resource coordination, communication, and service delivery while requiring careful attention to ethics, privacy, and human dignity.
AI Ethics
Use Technology Responsibly
PATHS University encourages students to consider the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
Privacy
Bias
Transparency
Accountability
Accessibility
Intellectual property
Academic integrity
Human oversight
Employment and workforce changes
Digital equity
Responsible innovation
Technology should be used in ways that respect human dignity and contribute positively to society.
AI Student Learning Resources
Topics Worth Exploring
AI literacy
Generative AI
Prompt engineering
Responsible AI
Digital literacy
Academic integrity
Research skills
Data privacy
Cybersecurity
AI ethics
Career readiness
Students should evaluate online resources carefully and prioritize credible educational and institutional sources.
AI Assistance Should Enhance Learning—Not Replace It
Learn the Technology. Question the Results. Protect Your Integrity. Create Your Future.
The most effective use of artificial intelligence in education is one that supports deeper learning, encourages curiosity, strengthens problem-solving, and helps students become more capable—not more dependent.
At PATHS University, students are encouraged to embrace innovation while maintaining the University's commitment to integrity, academic excellence, service, and responsible leadership.
Office of Information Technology
For questions regarding the use of AI in a specific course or assignment, students should first consult their instructor or academic advisor.
PATHS University
4057 US-70 Highway Business West
Clayton, NC 27520
When in doubt, verify information, protect your privacy, follow your instructor's requirements, and make sure your work reflects your own understanding.
