Want to use AI responsibly? Use My SMART approach 💡⚙️

Have you ever wondered if you're using AI in the right way?

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

AI can be a powerful tool, but it’s easy to rely on it too much, trust it too fast, or use it without checking for accuracy or fairness.

Luckily, there's a better way to use AI correctly!

Use the SMART strategy to stay in control and use AI confidently and ethically, without cutting corners.

• S — Start with a draft.

• M — Make your purpose clear.

• A — Avoid sharing personal or confidential data.

• R — Review, critique, and verify.

• T — Take responsibility and give credit.

The SMART approach is an original framework I developed from my evolving experience using AI in research, teaching, and work on AI ethics and learning.

I begin with my own thinking. AI supports my work, but it doesn't replace my ideas or voice.

Ever notice how stuff sticks when you write it yourself? It feels like it’s really yours.

But if AI writes the first draft…it kind of feels detached, right?

Well, that’s not just a feeling. Research shows that drafting first before using AI boosts your brainpower, sense of ownership, and overall skills.

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

My Experience

I drafted a full conference abstract, but it exceeded the word limit, even after multiple revisions. I then asked AI to highlight areas of redundancy without changing my message or tone. I reviewed its suggestions, accepted some, modified others, and rejected a few.

AI then helped trim the abstract based on my choices. Reading the final version, I felt the work was truly mine — my ideas, style, and voice intact. Drafting first made the process empowering and ensured my unique ideas weren’t confined by AI’s suggestions.

I'm explicit about what I want from AI.

AI can spit out stuff, but half the time it’s not even what you need. So, be clear whether you want to use AI and for what.

Some examples:

• Brainstorm ideas — When designing learning activities, I start with my ideas and sometimes use AI to suggest examples or scenarios I might have missed.

• Offer alternative perspectives — To make my work more inclusive, I use AI to challenge my assumptions by asking how a learner from a different background might interpret my instructions.

• Revise language — I’ve used AI to improve clarity, tone, or polish grammar when adapting an activity for learners at different levels, but I decide what to keep.

• Check facts — I use AI to summarize text or double-check facts I already have, so I can spot gaps or inconsistencies.

Being clear about my purpose helps me use AI intentionally, in ways that support my learning or teaching goals.

I treat AI like a social media platform or a public place.

If you wouldn't share information publicly, don't include it in a prompt.

What Not to Include

• Names, IDs, or addresses

• Grades, feedback, or private messages

• Personal stories that identify people

• Confidential school or work information

What’s OK

• Keep things anonymous

• Summarize the key idea

• Generalize the situation

• Focus on the task, not the details

If I can't verify it, I don't use it.

AI can hallucinate facts, show bias, or change your voice. How you use the output matters.

Review and check AI output before trusting it:

• Fact check: Cross-check sources, search for confirmation, and make sure it’s accurate.

• Bias check: Think about whose perspective is missing or if it favors one view.

• Voice check: Make sure it sounds like you, not just AI.

• Ethics check: Ask if sharing this could be unfair, harmful, or violate rules.

I decide what goes in the final work. I acknowledge AI use and cite verified sources.

In practice:

• Acknowledge AI use when your class or work requires it.

• Cite real sources, not just “according to AI”.

• Rewrite until it reflects your voice or ideas.