Can AI Tools Help Students Pass University Exams?
As exam season approaches, students are often looking for new ways to gain an edge in assessments. One such way is by using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT. But, can these tools really help students pass university exams?
ChatGPT is an online AI tool that can answer questions, produce essays and emails, and provide human-like responses. Academics at the University of Bath recently conducted research on the tool to understand how it could be used in assessments. They found that it handles multiple-choice questions well but struggles with more complex questions that require critical thinking.
When ChatGPT was released to the public, many students were unsure about when they could and couldn't use it. The Quality Assurance Agency has urged UK universities to equip students with AI skills that they can take into the world of work. This includes teaching them when and how to use AI tools like ChatGPT and adapting courses where appropriate.
Some students in Bath's marketing department have already started using ChatGPT in coursework that asks them to produce a marketing plan. They use ChatGPT for ideas, but they are still expected to submit their own answers that show learning and critical thinking. Neurodivergent students and those for whom English is not their first language may benefit from using ChatGPT.
However, submitting ChatGPT answers as their own work is considered cheating. Submitting incomplete or non-detailed answers like those generated by ChatGPT will not pass university coursework.
Although the pace at which technology is evolving poses a challenge for universities, they must engage with it to ensure their degrees remain current, and their students are equipped with the skills they need for the future workplace. Bath's policy on ChatGPT and other AI tools will be in place from September.
While AI tools like ChatGPT may be helpful for certain types of questions, students must still possess the critical thinking skills necessary to pass university exams. At present, AI tools are still in the early stages of development and can generate misinformation or repetitive answers.
