1. Purpose of These Guidelines

Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Claude) can support your learning by explaining concepts, suggesting code examples, and offering design guidance. However, the primary goal of this course is for you to personally develop the skills, not rely solely on ready-made answers. These guidelines ensure deep learning, academic honesty, and ethical use.

2. Allowed Uses

You are encouraged to use generative AI tools for the following purposes:

  • Explaining Concepts
    Asking about differences, applications, or underlying theory (e.g., the difference between INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN in SQL).
  • Debugging Guidance
    Asking what a specific error means and exploring strategies to fix it.
  • Best Practices
    Example: “How should I manage database connections securely in Python?”
  • Exploring Libraries and Tools
    Example: “Which libraries are available for connecting Python to PostgreSQL?”
  • Improving Code Readability or Design
    Requesting feedback to simplify queries or optimize algorithms.
  • Comparing Approaches
    Example: “What are the advantages of SQL vs. NoSQL, or Pandas vs. PySpark?”
  • Learning Through Simple Examples
    Understanding patterns and structures without requesting final answers to assignments.

3. Prohibited Uses

Please do not use generative AI tools for the following:

  • Directly Solving Course Assignments or Projects
    Requesting final code or answers for graded work.
  • Bypassing the Learning Process
    Copying AI-generated solutions without understanding them.
  • Sharing Proprietary Course Content
    Posting full assignment or project descriptions into AI tools.
  • Using AI as the Only Source
    Ignoring course notes, lectures, and official documentation.

4. Transparency and Academic Integrity

  • If you used generative AI in your work, disclose it clearly and explain how you used it (e.g., “I used ChatGPT to help explain a SQL error”).
  • Any misuse (e.g., submitting AI-generated answers as your own) violates academic honesty policies and may result in disciplinary action.

5. Examples

5.1 Acceptable Questions

  • “How can I remove duplicate records in SQL?”
  • “What is the difference between INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN in SQL?”
  • “What visualization tools are available in Python that are similar to Power BI?”
  • “Is there a more efficient way to normalize this database schema?”

5.2 Unacceptable Questions

  • “Write the solution for Question 3 of Week 5’s assignment.”
  • “Generate the complete code for the final project.”
  • “Optimize this exact query from my homework and give me the final answer.”
  • “Provide me with a ready-to-submit file for this task.”

6. Best Practices for Using Generative AI

  • Treat AI responses as guidance, not final solutions.
  • Use AI to enhance your understanding, not replace your own problem-solving.
  • Ensure progressive learning: try solving on your own first, then use AI for clarification.