Beyond Bans and Detection: Rethinking Academic Integrity in the GenAI Era
The Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning welcomes Dr. Sid Dobrin to Rhode Island College to discuss the impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on academic integrity. The emergence of GenAI has raised ethical concerns within the education sector, particularly regarding student cheating. Instead of simply banning GenAI technology and relying solely on detection software, Dr. Dobrin argues for a more nuanced approach that questions the traditional definition of academic integrity in light of these technological advancements.
Challenges and Opportunities
While there are fears of a potential increase in plagiarism due to GenAI, research indicates that cheating rates have remained stable and are more likely driven by existing academic pressures rather than the availability of AI tools. However, the widespread use of GenAI has led to a growing skepticism towards the authenticity of student work, highlighting a fundamental tension between conventional learning practices and the evolving GenAI landscape.
In the past, education heavily emphasized individual effort in acquiring knowledge. The rise of GenAI challenges this conventional model by offering innovative ways to access and process information. For example, GenAI's capacity to generate drafts does not diminish the importance of composition skills; rather, it shifts the focus towards critical analysis, revision, and what Dr. Dobrin refers to as "prompt engineering."
Embracing Change
Core competencies such as critical thinking and ethical reasoning remain essential in the GenAI era. Dr. Dobrin suggests that educators explore how GenAI can actually enhance the learning experience. This could involve utilizing AI-generated drafts for in-depth analysis or teaching students data literacy by evaluating the outputs produced by AI systems, instead of resorting to outright bans on the technology.
Dr. Sid Dobrin is a prominent figure in the academic field, specializing in Generative AI and its implications for education. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Dr. Dobrin has delivered numerous talks and workshops worldwide on this subject. His insights into the intersection of AI and academia have sparked international discussions and shaped the way we approach technology in higher education.
At Rhode Island College, the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL) is dedicated to supporting the professional development of faculty members as educators and scholars. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, FCTL helps educators stay abreast of the latest advancements in teaching methodologies and technologies.
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