The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT, has raised concerns about the potential for cheating in higher education. Universities are now facing a critical need for staff training to combat cheating and maintain the integrity of assessments and qualifications.
AI tools, exemplified by ChatGPT, have made it easier for students to cheat on assignments and exams, posing a significant challenge to academic integrity.
University authorities in the U.K. acknowledge the need for proactive measures to counter cheating facilitated by AI. Prof Pól Ó Dochartaigh, University of Galway’s deputy president and registrar, emphasizes the importance of adapting assessments and enhancing staff skills.
To combat cheating, universities are considering changes in assessment methods. These include incorporating more oral presentations, formulating detailed and nuanced questions in assignments, and requiring students to provide evidence of draft work.
One of the key challenges in addressing cheating threats is the high student-staff ratio in universities, which limits the capacity for skills enhancement among faculty members. Additional government investment is needed to bridge this gap.
The University of Galway, in partnership with the National Academic Integrity Network, is hosting a major international conference on academic and research integrity. The conference aims to bring together experts and academics to address the challenges posed by AI in education.
The conference will focus on the need for faculty members to engage with AI tools and learn how to use them appropriately while mitigating their misuse by students.
Experts from the US, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and the UK will share insights and practical steps to sustain integrity in higher education.
The threat of cheating in higher education facilitated by AI tools necessitates urgent staff training and innovative assessment methods. Universities must adapt to the evolving landscape of technology in education while upholding the highest standards of integrity.
