Use of generative AI and large language models (such as Copilot) in studies at the Open University of the University of Jyväskylä:

You may use AI tools to support your own thinking, but not as a substitute for it. Large language models can be useful for brainstorming, finding sources, understanding and visualizing new topics, concepts, or larger subject areas. Please note that course-specific instructions may prohibit some of these uses. Always follow the instructions provided for the course or assignment. You are responsible for verifying the accuracy of AI-generated content against the course materials and for further developing and refining that content yourself. You are personally responsible for the content of your work, and directly copying substantive content from language models without proper citation constitutes academic misconduct. In unclear cases, the teacher may contact you and request an explanation.

Without the permission of the copyright holder, you may not input copyrighted material into an AI system if that material remains available for use by the AI system. This includes, for example, course learning materials, assignment instructions, articles obtained from databases, or texts written by fellow students. You must not enter other people's personal data or confidential information into AI tools without the permission of the data owner.

The use, or non-use, of AI must be reported. The report is part of the course assessment and must be submitted together with the assignment or in accordance with the instructions provided during the course. Failure to submit the report may result in the assignment being rejected. Report the use of AI according to the Open University of the University of Jyväskylä guidelines.

Note: On this course, the use or non-use of AI is reported as part of the self-assessment completed at the end of the course.

Course-Specific Guidelines for the Use of AI Applications

The course content has been divided into smaller, clearly structured units to support learning. Each section includes topic-specific video lectures and reading materials that allow you to progress step by step. The course is designed at an introductory level, and key concepts are explained in a way that enables every student to understand them without prior specialized knowledge.

It is important that you build your own foundational understanding independently, without the assistance of AI. This creates a strong basis for your expertise. Without such a foundation, it is difficult to critically evaluate AI-generated content or use it appropriately in later stages of learning.

If you choose to use AI tools while studying on this course, you may use them to support your learning, for example as a study partner or discussion companion. AI may be used to support your thinking, but not to replace it. The risks associated with AI use must be understood, and it is important to remember that AI tools are not scientifically reliable sources.

In assessed course activities (exams and discussion assignments), students are expected to demonstrate their own thinking and subject knowledge. The use of AI and large language models (such as Copilot or ChatGPT) is not considered appropriate for achieving the learning objectives of this course. Therefore, generating answers for assessed assignments using AI is prohibited.

You are personally responsible for the content of your work, and directly copying substantive content from language models without proper citation constitutes academic misconduct. In unclear cases, the teacher may contact you and request an explanation.

AI applications may be used as a learning aid for:

AI must not be used in a way that allows it to generate completed assignment answers on behalf of the student. The objective of the course is to develop students' thinking skills and their ability to apply those skills in practice through course assignments. Students are always responsible for the answers they submit and their content.

Next, complete the "Test on AI Guidlines."

Note: Course assignments will become available only after you have successfully passed the test.

Last modified: Friday, 28 August 2026, 4:28 PM