Use of AI tools#

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools using large language models (AI-LLMs), such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, or DeepL, are changing the ways in which people produce content including software. Although these tools have great potential to expidite many coding tasks, it is important to note that one must understand the code that is produced in order to ensure it functions properly. As the goal of the Automating GIS Processes course is to introduce python programming for GIS analysis, we (the teachers) must be careful to ensure the use of AI tools does not compromise the learning goals of the course. Thus, we provide some guidelines for the use of AI tools below.

Guidelines for AI-LLM use in the Geo-Python course#

Note

Please note these guidelines apply only to students enrolled in the Automating GIS processes II course for credit.

  1. Unless stated otherwise, AI-LLMs should not be used to generate code or answer questions in the course exercises.

  2. Exercise problems or parts of problems where AI-LLM use is OK will be clearly indicated in the exercise assignment by the text “AI-LLM OK”.

  3. For problems or parts of problems where AI-LLM use is OK, students must indicate in writing which AI tool/model has been used and in what way.

  4. If a student uses an AI-LLM for part of an exercise where it is prohibited or fails to report the use of an AI-LLM as instructed, this will be considered cheating and will be handled as such.

The guidelines above are based on the University of Helsinki guidelines for the use of AI in teaching. More information is available in the instructions for students.

An introduction to AI-LLMs#

In the course GeoPython 2023, we provided a brief introduction to how to use ChatGPT in our work. In this demonstration we highlighted some of the advantages and disadvantages to the code ChatGPT produces, as well as how to review the code to ensure it works properly. You can access this on the ‘Geopython course page <https://geo-python-site.readthedocs.io/en/latest/notebooks/L4/use-of-ai.html>’_.

Note

Please note that we are adjusting to a changing environment as far as the AI-LLMs go, so we will do our best to encourage use where it makes sense. At the same time, we do not want to negatively impact your learning of core programming concepts.