The Student Toolbox provides practical guidance and hands-on opportunities to help you understand how AI works, use it ethically, evaluate its output critically, and recognize when it supports — or interferes with — your learning.
Before using AI for coursework: Review your instructor’s acceptable-use policy and the requirements for the specific assignment. AI may be permitted for one activity but restricted or prohibited for another. If the expectations are unclear, ask your instructor before using AI and be transparent about how it contributed to your work.
Get Started with AI Literacy
Introduction to AI Literacy Learning Module - Build a foundation for using generative AI responsibly and effectively. This short, self-paced Canvas course introduces:
- How generative AI works
- Ethical and responsible use
- AI’s capabilities and limitations
- Using USD Approved AI tools - Privacy and data protection
After completing the course, you can earn a digital badge to add to your LinkedIn profile or résumé. Your instructor may ask you to submit your badge to show completion of the learning module.
Protect Your Learning
The AI Literacy in Learning: Critical Thinking for Students course helps USD students navigate the complexities of Generative AI.
AI can make tasks feel easier while reducing opportunities to develop important skills. If AI completes the most challenging part of an assignment, you may produce an acceptable result without developing the knowledge or judgment the assignment was designed to build.
Before using AI, ask yourself:
- What am I supposed to learn from this activity?
- Which part of the work do I need to practice myself?
- Am I using AI to deepen my thinking or avoid it?
- Could I explain or defend the final work without AI?
- Does the final product accurately represent my knowledge and abilities?
Use AI as a learning partner — not as a substitute for curiosity, effort, reflection, or independent thought.
You can also claim your AI Literacy digital badge upon completion and add it to your LinkedIn or resume.
Using AI for Academic Work
Explore practical ways to use Gemini and NotebookLM throughout the learning and research process. Always follow your instructor’s AI-use expectations and verify AI-generated information.
- Brainstorm and plan your work Use AI to generate ideas, organize your thinking, and develop a plan.
- Speed up research with NotebookLM Organize sources, identify connections, and explore information grounded in your materials.
- Analyze data with Gemini Use Gemini to explore data, recognize patterns, and support analysis.
- Create instant study materials Turn course content into study guides and other learning resources.
- Make practice quizzes before an exam Generate practice questions to check your understanding and identify areas for review.