Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Use Policy

The Journal of Digital Learning and Distance Education recognizes the potential of Generative AI (GenAI) technologies, such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI imaging tools, as tools for writing and research. However, adherence to ethical publication standards is a top priority. Therefore, we have established the following provisions:

1. AI Not an Author: GenAI cannot meet the criteria for authorship (e.g., cannot be held accountable for the content and integrity of the research). GenAI tools are strictly prohibited from being listed as Authors or Co-Authors in manuscripts.

2. Full Responsibility: Human authors retain full responsibility for the originality, accuracy, and ethics of all published content, including any portions generated or modified using GenAI.

3. Disclosure Obligation: The use of GenAI for any purpose (including language editing, summarizing, or data analysis) must be transparently disclosed by the Author.

GenAI Usage Policy for Editors and Reviewers

1. Editors' Roles and Responsibilities

     This policy applies to Editors (Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and the Editorial Board).

      A. Prohibition on Using GenAI for Core Decisions:

          Editors are strictly prohibited from using GenAI (such as LLMs) to make substantial editorial decisions, including decisions to accept, reject, or request revisions. Editorial decisions must be based on human scientific assessment of the originality, validity, and contribution of the manuscript.

       B. Obligation to Maintain Confidentiality:

           Editors must ensure the absolute confidentiality of manuscripts under review. Editors are prohibited from uploading, copying, or incorporating all or part of the manuscript into public GenAI tools (including language correction tools), as this may violate copyright and author confidentiality.

2. Guidelines for Reviewers (Peer Reviewers)

     This policy should be included in the instructions you provide to each reviewer when they accept an assignment.

     A. Prohibition on Manuscript Uploading:

          Reviewers are strictly prohibited from using, uploading, copying, or incorporating all or part of the content of a manuscript under review into public Generative AI tools (including ChatGPT, Gemini, or similar tools) for any purpose. Doing so is a serious breach of confidentiality and may result in removal from the journal's reviewer list.

      B. Use of GenAI to Assist in Review Writing (Strictly Restricted):

           If reviewers wish to use GenAI to assist in the grammatical correction of their review reports (rather than the content of the review itself), they must ensure that no sensitive information or manuscript content is included in the AI ​​tool. Reviewers must write their own review reports and are fully responsible for the assessment and criticism contained therein.

       C. Reporting Suspected Use of AI by Authors:

            If reviewers suspect undisclosed or unethical use of GenAI by authors (e.g., the presence of AI-sounding text or fabricated references), they are required to report this to the Editor.