Augmented Intelligence in Academia: Training the Next Generation of Researchers

As generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly accessible, more people turn to it for automation of various creative and analytical tasks. A significant concern is the ability to encourage both students and faculty alike to appropriately, thoughtfully, and ethically apply the use of generative AI in their research process where they choose to use it. This presentation discusses the policy, training, and outreach initiatives that the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry at Florida Atlantic University have undertaken to align undergraduate research approaches to generative AI with the University's greater mission towards AI ethics and literacy, while emphasizing the cultivation of researchers' own expertise and skillsets, an approach described by the American Medical Association as "augmented intelligence". This move has included the creation of an AI policy for the Office of Undergraduate Research in alignment with the University's AI policy, constructed with the help of faculty engaged in undergraduate research and guided by industry approaches to AI use; addition of open-ended, brief confirmation questions about AI tools used on every submission package; an affirmation of the policy for both reviewers and submitters on every submission package; a one-hour workshop outlining the basic function of generative AI and sample ideas of appropriate uses; and outreach and collaboration with other departments in the University including eLearning and the Graduate College. Though matters around generative AI are complex, training students to navigate these and augment their own capacities can encourage and strengthen their own critical analysis and creativity.