What Is Generative AI? 

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) refers to the application of machine-learned algorithms taught to perform tasks requiring human intelligence, such as reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and text generation. These algorithms are used in various applications, from visualization and estimative analytics to decision-making and recommendation systems. 

GAI technologies have the potential to support personalized and differentiated learning. In this context, they can enhance academic and student teaching while facilitating planning and operational tasks. They can assist students in synthesizing complex ideas, creating personalized content, and providing instant feedback. Additionally, they can support students’ research and writing activities, offering opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. 

On the other hand, it is recognized that GAI technologies can be used in ways that violate academic, ethical, and legal standards. 

This document has been prepared to establish the fundamental principles for the ethical, safe, and responsible use of GAI technologies at Kadir Has University and to provide recommendations to students and academics. 

Fundamental Principles of Generative AI Usage 

  1. Currently, it is not possible to exclude artificial intelligence technologies from the field of education today. Faculty members and students may and should use GAI technologies effectively with a transparency-based approach and within the framework of academic ethical rules. 
  2. The general framework and boundaries of GAI technology usage at Kadir Has University are determined by the relevant documents of the Higher Education Council and the University’s Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Directive. 
  3. Faculty members are free to determine the use of GAI technologies in students’ assignments, projects, theses, and other educational activities, considering the general constraints outlined below. Students may use GAI tools as supplementary resources for their courses, to develop their ideas, or for practical work under their instructors’ knowledge, permission, and guidance. 
  4. Faculty members should inform students at the beginning of the term about how and within what framework generative AI technologies should or should not be used within the scope of the course. This should be clearly stated in the course syllabus. 
  5. If an assignment, project, thesis, etc. involves the use of GAI: 
  6. The GAI tools used must be cited appropriately in accordance with the citation rules. 
  7. Primary sources must be reached when utilizing GAI-referenced materials. 
  8. The prompts given to the generative GAI, the responses received, and how the work was evaluated within the scope of the study should be included at the end of the work. 

6) As stated in the Higher Education Council’s “Ethical Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI in Scientific Research and Publication Activities at Higher Education Institutions” document, GAI may be appropriately used in (i) data analysis via models trained by researchers themselves, (ii) translation or language editing of scientific research, (iii) text and visual labeling, and (iv) examining data quality. However, there are important considerations: namely, (i) using an off-the-shelf GAI system may not be ethical for data analysis, (ii) the final review in translation and language editing must be done by the researcher, who bears the responsibility, (iii) the impartiality and quality of the data set used for text and visual labeling are crucial, (iv) GAI tools should not be the sole method for data evaluation, and (v) the purpose and scope of GAI usage must not encompass stages requiring high-level skills, experience, and expertise, such as hypothesis development, discussion, interpretation, and application. 

7) In ethics committee applications, the necessary information (purpose, scope, nature, etc.) regarding the use of GAI in research should be submitted to the committee. 

8) It is the responsibility of the users to ensure that GAI is used within the framework of the fundamental ethical values outlined in the YÖK Guidelines (transparency, honesty, diligence, fairness, and respect, protection of confidentiality and privacy, accountability and taking responsibility, contributing to the ethical climate).