AI Guidance for NC State Extension: Responsible Use and Best Practices

The field of AI is advancing rapidly, with numerous tools already available to support Extension efforts across diverse disciplines. These AI applications can enhance how Extension professionals develop and deliver timely solutions, whether it involves creating crop and soil treatments, managing weeds, translating resources, planning nutrition, monitoring livestock health, identifying plants, or generating everyday content. NC State Extension's objective is to provide guidance that promotes the responsible and productive use of AI, particularly generative AI tools, among its experts. The university embraces the ethical and responsible adoption of AI to amplify its impact and mission.

AI tools should be approached with respect, used responsibly, and balanced with strategic judgment. The university emphasizes generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Microsoft's Copilot, as well as writing and visual platforms like Grammarly, Ideogram, and Canva. To start, define key goals and identify where GenAI can assist, such as in writing, design, or data analysis. Explore recommended tools, testing free versions or trial plans. Experimentation is encouraged, as finding the 'best' AI tools is often a personal process of trial and error. Familiarize yourself with AI risks and responsible usage. Gradually integrate the most useful tools into your workflow and consider premium versions for budgeting. AI should be used to complement, not replace, professional skills, knowledge, and judgment.

The quality of AI output is directly tied to the quality of the prompt. When crafting a prompt, consider AI tools as highly capable virtual assistants. Be specific and clear, defining exactly what you need, including tone, format, and purpose. For example, instead of 'Write about gardening,' use 'Write a 3-paragraph article about the benefits of community gardening to engage a millennial, suburban audience in N.C.' Provide context by sharing background information and details about your audience and desired outcomes. Use step-by-step instructions for complex tasks, breaking them down into manageable stages. Leverage role-playing by asking the AI to adopt a specific persona. Experiment and iterate by testing different phrasing and adjusting details until you achieve the desired result. For instance, if 'Explain GenAI tools' is too broad, try 'Summarize three free GenAI tools that Extension agents can use to improve productivity in their roles.'

While consensus on AI citation is still evolving, NC State advises disclosing AI use in certain situations. Citation is typically unnecessary for basic assistance like grammar checking, rewording, formatting, or spell-checking. This also applies to basic proofreading, sentence restructuring, reformatting or translation that doesn't alter meaning, providing preliminary ideas or standard templates, and routine design work like color corrections or cropping that improve quality without changing content. AI citation is encouraged when materials or assets are produced by or significantly derived from AI-generated outputs, such as in the creation of original content beyond basic editing, research methodology or analysis, generation of novel ideas, arguments, or solutions, and the development of imagery or video where AI adds, alters, or fabricates visual elements beyond simple enhancements. When acknowledging AI use, choose between a formal citation style or a simple public-friendly disclosure, depending on the context and audience. General use formats include 'This resource was created with help from [AI Tool Name]' or 'Developed with assistance from [AI Tool Name], an AI tool by [Company].' Formal citation formats, suitable for scholarly publications, include 'AI Tool, Company / Creator, Date accessed, URL,' for example: 'Gemini, Google, March 31, 2025, gemini.google.com.'