AI Choices: Build the Skill

A 5-step guide for using AI to learn, not just to finish

Your goal is not to use AI as little as possible. Your goal is to become more capable, while using AI strategically and following your course's rules.

Think → AI → Evaluate → Improve → Own

1. THINK — Make your own attempt

What do I already know? Which parts of this task are the learning? Identify what you can try before getting help.

2. AI — Ask for specific support

Try explanations, hints, practice questions, opposing arguments, or feedback instead of a finished answer.

3. EVALUATE — Check the output

Verify facts, citations, reasoning, assumptions, limitations, and whether the answer fits the task and policy.

4. IMPROVE — Work with the feedback

Revise in your own words, test alternatives, solve a new problem, or explain what you changed and why.

5. OWN — Demonstrate independent capability

Can you explain or defend the result without AI? Is authorship accurate? Did you disclose AI use as required?

Study habits that protect your learning

Close the notes and recall one idea without looking.
Study across several days instead of only cramming.
Explain an idea in your own words and check it against the reading.
Turn off distractions, take planned breaks, and make room for sleep.
Review your mistakes and ask instructors, tutors, or classmates for help.

Useful prompts to try

"Don't give me the answer. Ask one question that helps me take the next step."
"Here is my attempted explanation: ____. Find a gap and ask me to repair it."
"Quiz me on this topic, one question at a time, and explain my mistakes after I respond."
"Challenge the weakest part of my reasoning; don't rewrite my entire assignment."
"List which of these claims need verification and how I might verify each one."

Course policies take priority. If an assessment prohibits AI assistance, complete the restricted work yourself. Study habits adapted from Barbara Oakley’s 10 Rules of Good/Bad Studying; optional student resources: lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/. Research: edtechdev.github.io/aied/