Classroom AI Usage Policy

As a student in the Digital Media & Multimedia Design (DMMD) program, you’re not just learning creative software — you’re preparing to work in a fast-changing industry that blends design, technology, and storytelling. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of that reality. In this classroom, we embrace innovation — but we also respect the value of personal creativity, ethical boundaries, and real skill-building. You’re here to learn how to do the work, not how to skip it. And that means learning when AI helps — and when it hurts.

The Instructor’s Position on AI

Let’s be clear: I’m not afraid of AI. In fact, I think using AI intelligently and ethically is something that will separate successful designers from the ones who fall behind.

If you’re not already exploring how AI tools can help make your work faster, cleaner, or more efficient — you’re missing a big piece of where the creative field is heading. AI is a tool. And just like a camera, a stylus, or a keyboard shortcut, it can make your work better when it’s used the right way.

What we won’t do is let it think or create for us.

What You Can Use AI For

  • Inspiration & Brainstorming: You can use AI to help generate ideas, concepts, or prompts — as long as your final work is your own. It’s like using Pinterest or reference art: a launchpad, not a crutch.
  • Proofreading, Grammar & Clarity Fixes: Tools like Grammarly or ChatGPT can help clean up your writing — just don’t let them write it for you.
  • Debugging Code (HTML/CSS): Using AI to help troubleshoot broken web code or explain a CSS property is totally acceptable — especially when learning front-end tools.
  • Workflow Support: AI can help automate tedious tasks, organize ideas, or test mockups — but the design, the writing, and the thinking must come from you.

What You Cannot Use AI For

  • Do Not Use AI to Write Blog Posts or Tutorials: All written WordPress content, including reflections, tutorials, and About Me pages, must be written in your own voice.
  • Do Not Use AI to Generate Visual Designs or Layouts: Unless specifically assigned, you may not submit AI-generated graphics, illustrations, logos, or layouts as your own.
  • Do Not Use AI to Complete Assignments: If an AI tool creates your project — then you didn’t. That means you didn’t learn, and you’re not building the skills that matter in the job market.

Why It Matters

The reason this policy exists isn’t to shut down creativity or limit your access to tools — it’s to make sure you actually learn the skills that will get you hired. When you rely on AI to do your thinking, writing, or designing, you’re robbing yourself of the experience, the problem-solving, and the creative decisions that are essential in the real world. Employers aren’t just looking for people who can push buttons or generate quick content. They’re looking for professionals who can take a brief, come up with ideas, revise those ideas, and communicate clearly — both visually and in writing.

AI is not the enemy. In fact, learning how to work with it is smart. But the key word here is work. If AI is doing the work, then you’re not. That means you’re not learning. And if you’re not learning, then this program — and your portfolio — won’t prepare you for the industry you’re trying to enter.

This isn’t just about school rules. It’s about setting a standard for yourself as a professional. If you take shortcuts now, your future employer will see that in your work. But if you take the time to build real, thoughtful projects — with or without AI assistance — you’ll leave this class with the confidence that you earned your skills, and you’ll be able to prove it. That’s what makes the difference.

Curriculum Alignment Across All Four OCPs

This policy aligns with standards from every major course block in the DMMD program:

OCP A – DIG0081: Theory and Foundations of Design

  • 01.03 – Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of presentation software and related technologies (Understanding when and how to use AI tools responsibly reflects core digital ethics.)
  • 01.04 – Demonstrate knowledge of online research techniques (Using AI for troubleshooting or inspiration falls under guided digital exploration.)
  • 01.06 – Use appropriate communication skills to interact effectively with others (Original written posts reflect your voice — not AI’s — and show professional clarity.)

OCP B – DIG0082: Design Techniques and Digital Publishing

  • 02.03 – Demonstrate knowledge of elements of design and composition in page layout (AI should never replace your layout decisions or visual design intent.)
  • 02.06 – Use appropriate tools and techniques to produce multimedia content (AI may assist workflow, but not create the work — this ensures skill mastery.)

OCP C – DIG0083: Digital Imaging & Web Design

  • 03.04 – Use appropriate tools for Web Design (AI can be helpful for HTML/CSS debugging, but original structure and styling must be student-built.)
  • 03.08 – Demonstrate knowledge of digital image manipulation (Students must use design tools like Photoshop/Illustrator directly — not AI art generators.)

OCP D – DIG0084: Interactive Presentation & Portfolio Development

  • 04.03 – Create a digital portfolio to showcase multimedia projects (Your portfolio must reflect your design thinking, not AI content.)
  • 04.04 – Prepare and present projects using effective communication skills (AI-written reflections or descriptions compromise the learning process and fail to meet communication goals.)

Final Reminder

If you’re ever unsure whether an AI tool is acceptable, just ask. The goal is to learn, not to guess your way through it.

Your future clients won’t hire AI — they’ll hire you, because you know how to create, communicate, and adapt. Let’s make sure that’s who they see when they look at your work.