Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we approach education, especially with the emergence of AI-generated images. These images can make lessons more engaging and visually appealing. But as we incorporate them into classroom activities – and as students start to use them, too – it’s essential to understand how to cite AI images properly.
Citing AI images isn’t very different from the way we give credit for content located in other places. If you’ve grabbed an image from Unsplash to use in a presentation deck, you might have copy and pasted their suggested citation and added it to your slide. As you create images with AI this year, you can model for students the best practices for giving credit.
Let’s explore why this practice is important and how you can quickly add citations to any images you create with the help of AI!
Why Citing Images Matters in the Classroom
Giving credit where it’s due has always been important. Even before artificial intelligence (AI) came into our conversations in education, we’ve written bibliographies or asked students to add a works cited page to a research paper. Whether an image is created by a professional photographer, a student, or generated by AI, acknowledging the source is crucial. By citing images, we show respect for creators and model ethical behavior for our students.
In today’s digital age, where content is easily accessible, teaching students to cite sources helps them become responsible digital citizens. It reinforces the idea that just because something is available online doesn’t mean it’s free to use without attribution. With AI becoming more prevalent, understanding how to cite AI-generated content is more important than ever.
How to Cite AI Images
There are recommendations from MLA and APA for text created by AI. But in this blog post, we’ll focus on how to cite AI images. I’ve shared a lot of favorite tools this year in blog posts, podcast episodes, keynotes, and workshops. You might have a favorite like Adobe Firefly, Canva’s Magic Media, or MidJourney, just to name a few.
Using MLA Style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for citing generative AI content. When citing an AI-generated image in MLA format, you’ll want to include four big things. Add a description of the prompt, followed by the AI tool, version, and date created.
Example: “Unicorn in a teal business suit sitting at a desk with a laptop, very focused on a task” prompt, Firefly, Firefly Image 2, Adobe, 27 Feb. 2024, https://firefly.adobe.com/
If you are working in an environment using APA style, this APA citation guide may be useful to review.
Teaching Citation to Students
This school year, you might start using MLA or APA style citations for AI-generated images in your instructional materials. However, the next step could include bringing students into the conversation. If they are using generative AI tools, you’ll likely want them to be familiar with best practices for citing AI images, too.
Not sure where to start? Here are some strategies to help you teach students about citing AI images:
- Use real examples and have students practice citing different types of sources, including AI-generated images.
- Create or share a step-by-step guide that outlines the steps for citing sources in MLA and APA styles.
- Have students create presentations or projects that require the use of images and make proper citation an expectation.
Citing AI images is part of a broader commitment to digital citizenship. By teaching students to navigate the digital world responsibly, we prepare them for the challenges and opportunities they’ll encounter beyond the classroom. So, if you are using a digital citizenship curriculum that hasn’t tackled this topic, you might decide to add a supplemental lesson or activity related to how to cite AI images.
Using AI Images this School year
If you’ve followed along on the blog this year, you might have explored this post on 6 Ways to Use AI Images with Your Favorite EdTech Tools. These tools can make lessons more dynamic, whether they help bring a vocabulary word to life or offer a helpful visual to students. Whether you are teaching citation strategies directly to students or modeling how to properly cite images, students can see this practice in action when you add citations next to the images you use.
If you’re interested in exploring more about integrating AI into education and supporting digital citizenship, I invite you to check out my book EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI, 2nd Edition. This resource includes AI connections, as well as practical tips and strategies to make the most of technology in your teaching. Already have a copy? Don’t forget to download the free study guide to enhance your learning experience and implement the strategies discussed.
