AI in the Classroom

This page provides an overview of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that might impact teaching and learning in higher education. Here, you'll find information on popular AI tools, their creative uses, and a discussion on the potential benefits and challenges of AI in academic settings.

When using online AI tools consider what information you are sharing. Most Large Language Models (LLM) train on datasets that are based on user-input. This can lead to serious privacy and intellectual property issues.

As faculty and staff we have an obligation to protect student privacy. For instructions on how to adhere to our province's privacy laws and how to best protect student privacy when using third-party apps visit our page on: Unsupported Apps and Student Privacy.

The library has put together a guide on how to navigate copyright as it relates to a Canadian post-secondary context.

A student cannot be required to use an AI tool in the classroom that has not undergone a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) and been approved by the university. However, there are still ways in which some of these tools can be used in class by knowing the risks and making informed decisions on the use:


    The Writing Centre + the TLC have developed guidelines for how to approach AI in the classroom:

    For a more comprehensive set of guidelines for using AI tools at ECU read:

      Below you will find an overview of some of the most well-known AI tools with a brief description of what they can do and how to access them. None of these tools have undergone a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) by the university and none of these tools can be made required to use in the classroom. Still, some of these tools can be utilized by taking a cautious approach and being diligent with what information you are sharing.

      Most of these AI tools and applications offer a free version that usually comes with limitations, while a subscription is often needed to unlock the more advanced features and remove restrictions on daily use. The free versions, however, are often better for class-use since they don't require the user to identify themselves and share their credit card information.

      • ChatGPT (OpenAI)
        • Access: chat.openai.com
        • Uses: Essay writing assistance, research brainstorming, language practice
      • Claude (Anthropic)
        • Access: claude.ai
        • Uses: In-depth analysis, coding help, creative writing
      • Bard (Google)
        • Access: bard.google.com
        • Uses: Information synthesis, question-answering, creative ideation
      • Copilot (Microsoft)
        • Access: https://copilot.microsoft.com/ also integrated into Bing search, various applications such as Edge (browser) and code editors.
        • Uses: writing, information gathering, coding and learning programming concepts

      • DALL-E (OpenAI)
        • Access: Through ChatGPT interface or labs.openai.com
        • Uses: Creating visual aids, conceptual art, design inspiration
      • Adobe Firefly
        • Access: firefly.adobe.com also available through tools in Photoshop
        • Uses: Graphic design, photo editing, visual ideation


      • Suno
        • Access: suno.ai
        • Uses: Creating music
      • Character.ai
        • Access: character.ai
        • Uses: Role-playing exercises, creative writing prompts, language practice
      • Midjourney
        • Access: Through Discord
        • Uses: Advanced image generation for visual arts and design projects