Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come under scrutiny in academic settings following the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) decision to investigate the usage of ChatGPT in students’ exam papers.
Also read: ChatGPT wrote me a business plan, a pep talk and taught me how to beat the casino
Reports indicate that AI tools were prohibited during assessments, leading to allegations that hundreds of students may face disciplinary hearings for allegedly using such tools during exams.
According to IOL, Unisa remained silent on Thursday regarding the allegations.
Meanwhile, Western Cape higher education institutions are exploring ethical uses of AI to enhance teaching and learning for students and staff.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) spokesperson Lauren Kansley said, ‘Senior leaders at CPUT down to faculty academics have explored the growing importance of AI in educational settings and its ethical implications in academic research and how it could be used to effectively teach and learn.’
CPUT’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment has enrolled about 40 staff members in the AI Engineer certification program in collaboration with Microsoft AI University.
Meanwhile, The University of the Western Cape (UWC) marketing and media manager, Gasant Abarder, mentioned that the university is developing AI usage policies and guidelines.
‘The university is currently developing a Policy and Guidelines on the use of AI which will further inform its use and incorporation into learning, teaching, research and assessment,’ says Abarder.
Abarder mentions that UWC has a well-established institutional Learning Management System, which flags the extent of plagiarism as well as the use of AI tools.
Stellenbosch University (SU) Student Representative Council (SRC) president Phiwokuhle Qabaka noted that departments have individual rules on AI usage, with existing systems to monitor its implementation.
‘One of our institution’s main priority is to ensure that our students know how to use AI tools rather than ignore it as if it is not there,’ says Qabaka.
University of Cape Town (UCT) spokesperson Elijah Moholola stated that at UCT, students are allowed to use AI in specific cases, under defined parameters.
‘UCT endeavours to create awareness among students around authorised AI usage. In instances of unauthorised usage, such cases would be referred to and handled by the Student Disciplinary Tribunal,’ Moholola said.
Also read:
UCT study shows empowering nature of ChatGPT in resource creation
Picture: Petri Oeschger / Gallo Images