Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy

The International Journal of Didactical Studies (IJODS) recognizes the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic research and writing. The journal supports the responsible and transparent use of AI technologies while maintaining academic integrity, authorship accountability, and ethical standards, taking guidance from internationally recognized principles, including those of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

1. Use of AI by Authors

Authors may use AI-assisted tools (e.g., for language editing, grammar checking, or improving readability) provided that such use does not replace the authors’ own intellectual contribution.

AI tools must not be used to:

• Generate original research ideas, hypotheses, or interpretations

• Produce substantial portions of the manuscript content

• Fabricate or manipulate data, results, references, or citations

• Replace critical analysis, methodological decisions, or scholarly judgment

AI tools cannot be listed as authors, as authorship implies responsibility and accountability that can only be assumed by humans.

2. Disclosure of AI Use

Authors are required to clearly disclose any use of AI-assisted tools in the preparation of their manuscript. Disclosure should be included in the manuscript (e.g., in the acknowledgements or a separate disclosure statement) and specify the purpose for which AI tools were used.

Failure to disclose AI use where required may be considered an ethical concern.

3. Responsibility and Accountability

Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of all content submitted to IJODS, including any content generated or assisted by AI tools.

The use of AI does not exempt authors from compliance with the journal’s policies on plagiarism, data integrity, and ethical research practices.

4. Use of AI by Reviewers

Reviewers must not upload manuscripts or any part of their content to AI tools that store, reuse, or share data, as this may compromise confidentiality.

AI tools may be used by reviewers only for limited support purposes (e.g., language clarity checks), provided that manuscript confidentiality is strictly maintained.

5. Use of AI by Editors

Editors may use AI tools to support editorial workflows (e.g., plagiarism detection, administrative screening) but must not rely on AI for final editorial decisions. All decisions regarding manuscript acceptance, revision, or rejection are made by human editors.

6. Ethical Concerns and Misuse

Suspected misuse of AI tools, including undisclosed or unethical use, will be handled in accordance with the journal’s Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement. This may result in rejection, retraction, or other appropriate editorial action.

7. Policy Review

IJODS recognizes that AI technologies are rapidly evolving. This policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect developments in best practices and ethical standards in scholarly publishing.