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Green River College AI Taskforce

Empowering education through responsible AI integration

5-Level AI Assessment Scale

A framework for integrating AI in teaching and learning at Green River College

 
 
 
 
 
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Understanding the AI Assessment Scale

The 5-Level AI Assessment Scale provides a structured approach to incorporating AI tools in your courses, acknowledging the reality that AI is here to stay in education.

For Faculty

  • Clearly communicate AI expectations for each assignment
  • Design assessments that align with learning objectives
  • Create a consistent course policy on AI use
  • Adapt assessment strategies to the changing educational landscape

For Students

  • Understand when and how AI can be used for assignments
  • Develop critical thinking skills through appropriate AI use
  • Learn to evaluate and refine AI-generated content
  • Build digital literacy skills essential for future careers

The Reality of AI in Education

🔍

AI is Here to Stay

AI tools are increasingly integrated into educational and professional environments. Students need guidance on appropriate use.

⚖️

Balance is Key

Finding the right balance between AI assistance and independent work helps prepare students for future success.

🧠

Critical Thinking Remains Essential

AI should enhance, not replace, the critical thinking and analysis skills that are central to education.

Important: The AI Assessment Scale works best when implemented alongside a clear course policy on AI use. Different assignments within the same course can use different AI levels, but they should align with your overall course objectives and policies.

The 5 Levels Explained

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No AI

Complete without any AI assistance in a controlled environment.

"You must not use AI at any point during the assessment."

Best for:

  • Core skill demonstrations
  • Exams and quizzes
  • Foundational knowledge
2

AI Planning

AI for pre-task activities like brainstorming and research.

"You may use AI for planning and research only."

Best for:

  • Essays and research
  • Project planning
  • Brainstorming
3

AI Collaboration

AI for drafting, feedback, and refinement with critical evaluation.

"You may use AI to assist with specific tasks and drafting."

Best for:

  • Writing assignments
  • Multiple draft projects
  • Critical evaluation
4

Full AI

AI for any elements with focus on directing AI effectively.

"You may use AI extensively throughout your work."

Best for:

  • Prompt engineering
  • AI tool learning
  • Output evaluation
5

AI Exploration

Creative AI use for innovative solutions and approaches.

"You should use AI creatively to solve the task."

Best for:

  • Advanced projects
  • Innovative problem-solving
  • Capstone experiences

Visual Comparison of AI Levels

Feature Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
AI for Planning
AI for Drafting
AI for Refinement
Full AI Integration
Creative AI Use

Assignment Level Self-Assessment

Not sure which AI level is right for your assignment? Answer these questions to get a recommendation.

1. What is the primary purpose of this assignment?

To assess core knowledge or skills without external assistance

To develop research and planning skills

To practice drafting and revision processes

To learn how to effectively use AI tools

To explore innovative applications of AI in the field

Implementing the AI Assessment Scale

A visual guide to successful implementation

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Step 1: Create a Course Policy

Faculty Benefit

Establishes clear expectations and consistent framework for all assignments, reducing confusion and questions.

Student Benefit

Provides transparency about AI expectations across the course, helping students understand boundaries.

Key Components:

  • Define acceptable AI use in your course
  • Explain how AI levels will be applied to different assignments
  • Clarify expectations for citation and transparency
View the Syllabus Statement Toolkit →
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Step 2: Design Level-Appropriate Assignments

Faculty Benefit

Aligns assessment methods with specific learning objectives, ensuring meaningful evaluation of student skills.

Student Benefit

Provides appropriate scaffolding for different types of assignments, helping students develop various skills.

Implementation Tips:

  • Clearly state the AI level in assignment instructions
  • Explain why the chosen level is appropriate
  • Provide specific guidance on acceptable AI use
View Assignment Design Resources →
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Step 3: Communicate with Students

Faculty Benefit

Reduces misunderstandings about AI use, saving time on clarifications and potential academic integrity issues.

Student Benefit

Builds confidence in appropriate AI use and helps develop digital literacy skills essential for future careers.

Communication Strategies:

  • Introduce the AI Assessment Scale early in the course
  • Use consistent color-coding across all materials
  • Provide examples of appropriate AI use for each level
  • Create opportunities for students to ask questions
Sample language: Level 3: AI Collaboration. You may use AI tools to help with drafting and feedback, but you must critically evaluate and modify any AI-generated content.
View the Student-Facing Language Toolkit →