Overview
Artificial intelligence influences how knowledge is created, learning is assessed, decisions are made, and resources are used. AI tools shape educational practices, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Understanding these broader impacts is a key part of AI literacy.
Educational and Academic Impacts
AI can influence how students approach learning, studying, and problem‑solving, as well as how instructors assess and support student work. When relied on too heavily, AI tools can reduce opportunities for skill development, blur authorship, and shift attention away from meaningful learning processes. Thoughtful use helps ensure AI supports learning and creativity without replacing critical thinking, practice, or human judgment.
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University and Course Policies
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There is no university-wide policy about AI use at Penn State.
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Policies about AI use are up to individual instructors and may vary from course to course.
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If you’re unsure about whether AI use is permitted in your course, we recommend checking your syllabus or asking your instructor.
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Academic Integrity
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Intentional or unintentional, the use of generative AI tools in academic settings to generate student work can violate academic integrity.
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If you’re unsure, always follow the guidance given by your instructor and in your syllabus.
Bias and Equity in AI
Because AI systems are trained on large datasets created by humans, they may reflect existing biases or social inequities. Without careful oversight, AI outputs can reinforce stereotypes, obscure accountability, or disadvantage certain individuals or groups.
Evaluating AI‑generated content is therefore essential to avoid accepting biased or incomplete information as neutral or authoritative. Critical review helps users identify when context is missing, assumptions are embedded in the output, or perspectives are underrepresented.
Environmental Considerations
Generative AI requires significant computing power. Behind every AI prompt is a physical infrastructure of servers, cooling systems, and energy‑intensive hardware. The data centers that support these tools consume electricity, water, and other natural resources. While individual uses may seem small, the cumulative impact of millions of users adds up.
Using AI More Sustainably
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Use AI Intentionally, Not Automatically
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Ask yourself, do I really need AI for this task? Could I find this information through existing readings, notes, or a quick search?
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Write Efficient Prompts
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Clear, specific prompts can reduce the back‑and‑forth with AI tools.
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Fewer prompts require less computing effort and help limit unnecessary resource use.
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Batch Related Questions
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Each prompt requires computing resources to process. When related questions are combined into a single, well‑structured prompt, fewer processing cycles are required.
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Match the Tool to the Task
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Part of AI literacy is knowing when not to use generative AI. Simple lookups or factual questions are often more efficiently handled with traditional search tools.