AI in Assessment Example: Level 2

Project Proposal (Environmental Science)

At this “AI Planning” level of the five-level AI Assessment Scale (Perkins, et al., 2024) students may use Al for pre-task activities such as brainstorming, outlining and initial research. This level focuses on the effective use of Al for planning, synthesis, and ideation, but assessments should emphasize the ability to develop and refine these ideas independently.

Course: ENVR 511 – Environmental Policy and Management

Assignment Title: Environmental Conservation Initiative Proposal

Due Date: [Insert Due Date]

Assignment Overview:
In this assignment, you will develop a project proposal for an environmental conservation initiative. AI tools may be used to assist in generating ideas, structuring the proposal, and suggesting relevant literature. However, the content and writing of the final proposal must be independently developed, ensuring that the proposed initiative reflects your research, analysis, and original thought. The focus is on utilizing AI for planning while ensuring that the final output is entirely your own work.

Objectives:

To develop a detailed and feasible project proposal for an environmental conservation initiative.
To use AI tools to assist in brainstorming ideas, structuring the proposal, and identifying relevant resources.
To independently write and refine the final proposal, ensuring originality and academic rigor.

Instructions:

Idea Generation:
- Use AI tools to help generate ideas for potential environmental conservation initiatives. AI can assist in identifying current environmental issues, suggesting innovative solutions, and outlining possible project goals.
- Reflect on the AI-generated ideas and select a specific initiative to focus on in your proposal. Ensure that the chosen initiative is feasible, impactful, and relevant to current environmental challenges.
Proposal Structuring:
- Use AI to assist in structuring your proposal. This structure should include sections such as:
  - Project Objectives: Clearly defined goals of the conservation initiative.
  - Background: Contextual information on the environmental issue your project addresses, including literature review and key data points.
  - Methodology: A detailed plan for how the project will be implemented, including steps, timeline, and necessary resources.
  - Expected Outcomes: Anticipated results and impacts of the initiative.
  - Budget: A realistic financial plan, including projected costs and funding sources.
- AI can also suggest relevant literature and resources to support your proposal. Review and refine the AI-generated structure to ensure it aligns with your initiative’s goals and is practical to implement.
Independent Proposal Writing:
- Based on the AI-assisted structure, write your project proposal independently. The proposal should be 10-12 pages long, providing a detailed and well-supported plan for implementing the conservation initiative.
- Ensure that your proposal includes a clear rationale for the initiative, supported by research and evidence. The methodology should be thorough, and the budget should be realistic and well-justified.
Final Submission:
- Submit your final project proposal along with the AI-generated outline and a brief commentary (1-2 pages) discussing how AI was used during the planning phase. Reflect on how AI influenced the structure and content of your proposal and how you ensured that the final proposal was independently developed.
- Include the AI-generated outline and any AI-suggested resources as an appendix to your proposal.

Evaluation Criteria:

– Originality and Feasibility of the Proposal (40%): Presenting a well-reasoned and feasible conservation initiative that demonstrates a deep understanding of environmental issues.

– Critical Engagement with AI Tools (20%): Effectively using AI to assist in idea generation and structuring, while ensuring that the final proposal is independently developed.

– Proposal Structure and Organization (20%): Presenting a well-organized proposal with clear objectives, methodology, and budget.

– Writing and Clarity (15%): Producing a clear, well-written, and persuasive proposal.

– Reflective Commentary (5%): Thoughtful reflection on the AI-assisted planning process and how it influenced the final proposal.

Support Resources:

– AI Tools and Software: Access to AI tools such as [specify tools, e.g., IBM Watson, Zotero, Scite.ai] will be provided through the university’s environmental science lab. Tutorials on using these tools for brainstorming, structuring, and resource identification will be available at the beginning of the assignment period.

– Workshops and Tutorials: Attend workshops focused on AI-assisted proposal planning, covering techniques for structuring proposals, conducting literature reviews, and refining AI-generated ideas.

– Office Hours: Schedule office hours with your instructor to discuss your proposal topic, AI tool use, and strategies for refining and expanding AI-generated ideas.

– Library Resources: The university library offers access to environmental science journals, databases, and relevant literature on conservation initiatives. Librarians can assist you in finding sources and navigating AI tools for proposal planning.

– Peer Collaboration: Participate in peer review sessions where you can present your AI-assisted outline and receive feedback on how to refine and enhance your project proposal.

Academic Integrity:
Ensure that the final proposal is independently written, with AI tools used only for initial brainstorming and structuring. Misuse of AI to generate content for the final proposal or failure to critically engage with AI-generated ideas will be treated as a breach of academic integrity.

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