Amidst the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, cheating among university students has soared, leaving educators scrambling for solutions. College professors have been grappling with the prevalence of plagiarism facilitated by chatbot platforms like ChatGPT. This AI phenomenon has started to shape how courses are taught, particularly in subjects like writing and computer science. While some instructors are reintroducing traditional paper exams, others are requiring students to provide editing histories and drafts to ensure authenticity. However, not all educators are perturbed by this new development, as they believe cheating has always been an issue and students will find new ways to exploit technology.
The rapid growth of AI-generated chatbots, including ChatGPT, has presented challenges for educators who strive to ensure students not only get the right answers but also understand the learning process. Instances of cheating through chatbots have become more apparent, with students submitting cut-and-paste assignments or claiming to be AI language models. Writing professors have reported an influx of academic integrity issues, half of which can be attributed to AI cheating. As a response, colleges are revamping their syllabi and assignments, emphasizing personalized writing tasks and implementing strict rules against AI use.
To tackle this issue, educational institutions are urging instructors to establish clear guidelines for their classrooms. Many universities are allowing teachers to decide whether chatbots should be integrated into their curriculums. Faculty members at Michigan State University, for example, are provided with a library of statements to modify in their syllabi. They have also been attending workshops to help shape new assignments and policies. Rather than asking straightforward questions that AI chatbots can easily answer, instructors are encouraged to frame questions differently, such as presenting information with errors and asking students to identify and correct them.
The impact of chatbots on students’ study habits and information-seeking behaviors is becoming increasingly evident. Companies like Chegg Inc., which offer homework help, have witnessed a decline in revenue due to students resorting to free AI platforms like ChatGPT. Additionally, Temple University has noticed a notable decrease in the utilization of research tools like library databases, as students opt for the quick and effortless method provided by chatbots. This shortcut culture is concerning as chatbots have been known to generate inaccurate information or hallucinate, leading educators to question the value of skipping essential learning steps.
To combat the prevalence of cheating, some professors are reverting to traditional paper-based exams. Bonnie MacKellar, a computer science professor at St. John’s University, believes that a return to this format will help prevent plagiarism and ensure students acquire the necessary skills for higher-level classes. However, this shift isn’t universally embraced. Students studying computer science view paper exams as a step backward, and their preference lies in understanding concepts rather than memorizing information.
While some students are unsure about the ethical boundaries of AI usage, others are investing extra effort to avoid being falsely accused of cheating. This includes using AI detectors to ensure their work is authentic. Despite the extra work, these students recognize the current reality and the need to be vigilant. Whether it is transitioning to paper exams or using plagiarism detectors, universities are determined to address cheating and foster an environment that values genuine learning.
In the face of AI-powered cheating, the academic community is actively navigating the implications and challenges posed by these advanced chatbots. It is crucial for institutions to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s benefits for teaching and learning while preserving academic integrity. As educators adapt their methods, the focus on fostering true understanding and nurturing students’ skills remains paramount. Only time will tell how this battle against cheating in academia unfolds, and what measures will effectively ChatGPT-proof assessment strategies.
