Benefits of Having a Professional Education Dissertation Coach Guide Students in the Ethical Use of Generative AI

Cheryl Mazzeo
Jun 10
4 min read

Artificial intelligence is changing education faster than almost any other technology I have encountered during my years in higher education. As tools such as ChatGPT become increasingly common, many students find themselves asking the same questions:

Can I use AI for this assignment?

How much AI use is too much?

Will my professor consider this cheating?

How can I benefit from AI without compromising my academic integrity?

These are important questions, and unfortunately, many students are left to figure out the answers on their own. That is why I believe there is tremendous value in working with a professional coach who can help students navigate the ethical use of generative AI.

AI Is Not Going Away

One thing is clear: generative AI is becoming a permanent part of education and the workplace. Rather than avoiding these tools entirely, students need to learn how to use them responsibly, critically, and ethically.

As an educator, I do not view AI as a replacement for learning. Instead, I see it as a tool that can support learning when used appropriately. The challenge is helping students understand where the line exists between assistance and academic misconduct.

A professional coach can provide individualized guidance that helps students develop these skills before problematic habits develop.

Ethical AI Use Is More Complicated Than Students Realize

Many students assume that if AI generates information, the information must be accurate. Others believe that using AI-generated text is acceptable as long as they make a few edits before submitting it.

In reality, ethical AI use involves much more than simply avoiding plagiarism.

Students must learn how to:

Verify AI-generated information
Recognize AI hallucinations and inaccuracies
Properly acknowledge AI use when required
Maintain their own intellectual contribution
Protect confidential and sensitive information
Use AI as a learning aid rather than a shortcut

These skills are rarely taught directly in most courses, yet they are becoming essential academic and professional competencies.

Personalized Guidance Makes a Difference

One of the biggest advantages of working with a professional coach is that guidance can be tailored to the student's academic level, discipline, and goals.

For example, the ethical considerations for a first-year undergraduate differ significantly from those facing a doctoral student conducting original research.

Throughout my career, I have taught students across multiple disciplines, including psychology, biology, computer science, and health sciences. I have seen firsthand that students benefit most when they receive practical guidance that applies directly to their academic work rather than generic warnings about AI.

Learning How to Think Critically About AI

One of my primary goals when coaching students is not simply teaching them how to use AI tools. Instead, I focus on helping them think critically about the outputs these systems generate.

Generative AI can produce impressive responses, but it can also create misleading, incomplete, or entirely fabricated information. Students who learn to critically evaluate AI-generated content become stronger researchers, writers, and professionals.

Rather than asking, "Can AI do this for me?" I encourage students to ask:

Is this information accurate?
What evidence supports this claim?
How does this compare with scholarly sources?
What assumptions might the AI be making?
How can I improve or expand upon this response?

These questions promote deeper learning and stronger academic performance.

Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future

The ethical use of AI is not only an academic issue. It is increasingly becoming a workplace skill.

In my role as a Scientific Advisor and Subject Matter Expert for Themison in Copenhagen, Denmark, I provided guidance for the development of an AI-driven application designed to improve workflow efficiency at clinical trial sites. This experience allows me to see how organizations are integrating artificial intelligence into real-world professional environments.

Students who learn to use AI ethically today will be better prepared for careers in healthcare, education, business, technology, and countless other fields tomorrow.

My Research Focus on AI in Education

My interest in ethical AI use extends beyond teaching and coaching. I am currently completing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Public Health at American College of Education. My doctoral research project, Artificial Intelligence Use by Public Health Undergraduates Taking 100-Level Courses: A Qualitative Exploratory Case Study, examines how students are using AI within educational settings.

This work has provided me with valuable insight into the opportunities, challenges, perceptions, and ethical considerations surrounding student AI use. It has also reinforced my belief that students benefit greatly from guidance rather than fear-based approaches to AI.

Building Confidence Rather Than Dependence

Perhaps the greatest benefit of professional coaching is helping students build confidence in their own abilities.

The goal should never be to make students dependent on AI. Instead, AI should serve as a tool that supports learning, creativity, organization, and productivity.

When students understand how to use generative AI ethically, they become better writers, stronger critical thinkers, and more effective learners. They gain the confidence to engage with emerging technologies while maintaining academic integrity and personal accountability.

Benefits of Having a Professional Education Dissertation Coach Guide Students in the Ethical Use of Generative AI

Generative AI presents both exciting opportunities and significant ethical challenges. Students who receive professional guidance are better equipped to navigate these challenges while developing skills that will serve them throughout their academic and professional careers.

As an educator, researcher, and professional education dissertation coach, I believe the future belongs not to those who simply use AI, but to those who understand how to use it responsibly. Professional coaching can help students develop that understanding, ensuring they remain active learners, ethical scholars, and thoughtful professionals in an increasingly AI-driven world.