Massey University Cheating Scandal
Massey University is currently investigating a cheating scandal where at least 20 students have been caught cheating. The students allegedly used ChatGPT to cheat on their assessment. As a result, the university offered the students amnesty in exchange for their confessions.
Amnesty Offer
The university gave the culprits until Friday 5 pm to identify themselves and claim amnesty by resubmitting new work for a reduced grade. However, students who did not come forward were warned that their future would be out of the hands of the university.
The senior lecturer, Dr Esther Jaspers, advised the students that the use of ChatGPT and any other artificial intelligence in assessments is considered cheating. A confirmed breach can result in a mark of zero for the assessment or a fail for the whole course. Nonetheless, the teaching team had permission to offer amnesty to the students.
Those who came forward by Friday, April 21, would have until 11.55 pm on Sunday to resubmit their work for a maximum mark of 50%. However, for those who didn't, the final determination of a breach and extent of the penalty would be decided by the academic integrity officer.
Investigation
The case is one of three currently being investigated where the use of AI in assessments is being scrutinized. The university warned that AI is not permitted, and a serious breach of academic integrity. Massey University confirmed that it would use Turnitin's AI detection to catch cheating students and has adopted a policy on the use of AI writing tools in assessments.
Opinion
The use of AI detection tools has been a divisive topic. Some universities have opted out of its use, claiming it is inefficient and that the technology has not been appropriately evaluated. However, others, such as the University of Waikato and Lincoln University, have accepted Turnitin's AI detection capabilities and are testing it before use.
Dr Paul Geertsema of the University of Auckland and the Artificial Intelligence Researchers Association explains that there is a place for assessments that exclude AI models, but also for those that specifically mandate them. “That is because when students enter the workplace, they are going to be competing with other people using these tools...we should make sure students are capable of doing so."
Conclusion
Academic integrity is taken seriously. In this case, Massey University is making an effort to address the issue of cheating. As AI tools become more prevalent, universities need to be proactive in establishing their policies and ensure that students are aware of academic integrity.
