Indicating Generative AI Assignment Permissions with the Traffic Light Model (Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light)

CATL recommends using the red, yellow, and green light approach to clearly label what level of generative AI (GAI) use is permitted for each of your course assignments. The traffic lights will be useful, but students will also need precise written instructions to supplement them on each assignment’s instructions. In general, you should include: a) whether GAI use is permitted, b) what tasks it can (e.g., brainstorming topic ideas) and can’t (e.g., creating text) be used on, c) how it should be cited (if applicable), and d) a rationale for why it can/can’t be used. We have provided brief examples below, but keep in mind that lengthy assignments that involve complex GAI use might require much more detailed instructions of even a page or more. Note that the text in brackets [ ] is designed to provide some examples of words that might go there; you will need to choose and insert your own text.

Red Light Approach: No GAI Use Permitted

A red traffic light illuminated with an “x” symbol.Collaboration with any GAI tool is forbidden for this activity. This assignment’s main goal is to develop your own [e.g., writing, coding] skills. Generative AI tools cannot be used because doing so will not be helpful to your own skill development and confidence in those abilities.

Yellow Light Approach: GAI Use Permitted for Specific Tasks and/or Using Specific Tools

A yellow traffic light illuminated with an “!” symbol.You may use the GAI tool Copilot – and only Copilot – for specific tasks in this assignment, but not for all of them. You may use GAI tools to [brainstorm a research topic], but not for [writing or editing your research proposal]. You will need to properly cite or disclose your generative AI using [e.g., APA Style]. If you are unsure or confused about what GAI use is permitted, please reach out to me.

OR

You may use GAI tools on this assignment to [e.g., create the budget for your grant proposal], but not to do anything else, such as create text, construct your persuasive arguments, or edit your writing. You will need to properly cite or disclose your generative AI using [e.g., APA Style]. Although other tools are permitted, you are strongly encouraged to use Microsoft Copilot with data protections for reasons of security, equity, and access to GBIT technical support.

Green Light Approach: All GAI Use Permitted

A green traffic light illuminated with a checkmark symbol. You are encouraged to use GAI tools for this assignment. Any generative AI use will need to be disclosed and cited using the methods described in your syllabus. For this assignment, you may use GAI tools to [e.g., brainstorm, create questions, text, or code, organize information, build arguments, and edit]. You will need to properly cite or disclose how/where you used generative AI using [e.g., APA Style]. If you would like feedback on your GAI tool use or have questions, please reach out to me.

 

Outlining When and How Students May Use GAI

An instructor may want to outline specific tasks when using the traffic light approach. Consider some of the examples below.

You may use AI to “[task(s)]”, but not to “[task(s)]”:

  • Analyze Data
  • Brainstorm Ideas, Thesis Statements, etc.
  • Build Arguments
  • Conduct Peer Review
  • Create Discussion Posts
  • Create Questions
  • Create Study Guides
  • Develop Thesis Statements
  • Edit Content
  • Format Documents/Presentations
  • Generate Citations
  • Generate New Text, Code, Art, etc.
  • Generate Research Questions
  • Generate Samples/Examples
  • Organize Information
  • Provide Explanations/Definitions
  • Research a Topic
  • Search for Research Articles
  • Summarize Text/Literature/Article
  • Write Self-Reflections

Learn More

Explore even more CATL resources related to AI in education:

If you have questions, concerns, or ideas specific to generative AI tools in education and the classroom, please email us at catl@uwgb.edu or set up a consultation!