Guidance on using AI during the Distance Learning Programme
1. What is your guidance on using AI during the Distance Learning Programme?
We recognise that Chat GPT and other Large Language Models are powerful tools which can save us all time and help generate and/or edit text. However, the Distance Learning Programme was designed to support practitioners to develop their thinking and their own skills to articulate the role of music for children with disabilities (as well as to develop the practical skills to use music within their practice). Developing your own vocabulary is key to feeling confident to explain your work to parents and colleagues. It also deepens your understanding of the impact music can have, the progress you identify for the children with whom you work and your confidence in the role you play in facilitating this. This is a process you begin with the Written Assignments and then really develop during your Practical Assignments. Relying on the assistance of Artificial Intelligence will compromise this and reduce the value of the learning opportunity for you. Please read the sections below for more information on how using AI or suspected use of AI during the Distance Learning Programme will be handled by the Course Team.
2. I have used AI to help me with my written assignment. What should I do?
If you use AI when writing your written assignment in any way (e.g. to help you manage your word count or organise your writing) you must include a statement at the end of your assignment to tell us what you used, why you needed to and how it helped you. Please see the guidance below for information about what is considered to be acceptable use of AI and what is considered to be unacceptable use of AI.
3. How could using AI to help me with my written assignment affect my grade?
Acceptable, declared use of AI
Your assignment will be moderated as normal, providing both of the following:
- You include a statement at the end of your assignment to explain what AI you used, why you needed to, and how it helped you AND
- Your moderator can understand its role and does not believe it has distorted the evidence of your understanding of the task.
Unacceptable, declared use of AI
If your moderator feels your declared use of AI has interfered with their ability to judge your confidence or competence in the areas they are assessing in the task, you will be asked to re-do your assignment without using AI. A re-submission which better evidences your confidence and competence will be moderated, but your grade will be capped at the pass mark.
Re-submissions
If your re-submission leaves your moderator needing more information to be able to judge your confidence or competence in the areas they are assessing, you will be invited to an interview to discuss the assignment to guide our assessment of your learning/understanding from the tutorial and the task. Your assignment will be moderated, but your grade will be capped at a pass mark and you will be advised that if any future written assignment is submitted with undisclosed use of AI or suspected use of AI, you will lose your place on the course.
Undeclared use of AI
If you submit a written assignment which leads to your moderator to suspect AI may have been used and you have not included a statement at the end of your assignment to tell us what you used, why you needed to and how it helped you, we may choose to invite you to an interview to discuss the assignment to guide our assessment of your learning/understanding from the tutorial and the task. In such instances, your assignment will be moderated, but your grade will be capped at a pass mark and you will be advised that if a second written assignment is submitted with undeclared use of AI or suspected use of AI, you will lose your place on the course.
Second unacceptable use of AI
If you submit a second written assignment which leads to your moderator suspecting undeclared use of AI, you will lose your place on the course. If your place on the course has been sponsored by your employer, the Course Team may contact the Manager named on your Application Form to explain why you have been removed from the course.
4. Can I use AI to help me with my Practical Assignment documentation?
No. There is absolutely no tolerance of the use of AI when writing about service users, session participants, activities within your music sessions or reflecting on your practice. Any declared or suspected use of AI in your Practical Assignment documentation will lead to your immediate removal from the course. In such instances you will be given guidance on how to conclude your music sessions with the participating children in a responsible way. If your place on the course has been sponsored by your employer, the Course Team may contact the Manager named on your Application Form to explain why you have been removed from the course and how you have been advised to conclude your music sessions with the participating children.