Exploring use of ChatGPT among university students
While the verdict is still out on whether university students should be allowed to use ChatGPT to help generate their assignments and theses, a version of it built for academics has been released. Called ChatGPT Edu, it was launched on May 30 by American AI research organisation OpenAI, which said it provides cost-effective, high-security features tailored for educational institutions. The AI-driven tool is currently used at universities such as Oxford, Wharton, Texas, Arizona State, and Columbia, and is said to “responsibly apply AI across students, faculty, researchers, and campus operations”.
Guidelines and Regulations
In March 2023, former higher education minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia will not restrict the use of ChatGPT, but its implementation must adhere to established guidelines. He said the guidelines, specifically tailored for the use of ChatGPT, have been formulated and disseminated among higher learning institutions across Malaysia.
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency, which is responsible for ensuring higher education quality, also issued guidelines stressing the careful use of generative AI in universities. “The guidelines emphasize the need to uphold academic honesty and manage risks such as plagiarism and protection of data privacy,” it said.
Integration of AI in Education
National Association of Private Educational Institutions secretary-general Dr Teh Choon Jin said Malaysian universities are increasingly signaling their readiness to integrate AI into educational practices. He mentioned that the guidelines provided clear instructions for students and staff on how to use generative AI tools responsibly and foster a community-wide understanding of the implications of AI technology.
Many universities have started offering special AI courses in which students study machine learning, data analysis, AI ethics, and how computers understand human language. Teh emphasized the need to support academics who shoulder multiple responsibilities and how AI can revolutionize various industries and sectors.
The Role of AI in Education
Teh drew parallels with Google’s evolution and stressed how the initial skepticism about its reliability gave way to widespread adoption for information retrieval. He highlighted that AI tools such as ChatGPT Edu should support educators rather than replace them and that embracing such technologies can enhance teaching methodologies and administrative efficiency.
Preparing for the Future
Comprehensive training programs for faculty and staff are essential to ensuring responsible AI use and maintaining academic integrity. By aligning technical advancements with ethical standards, Teh mentioned that national universities are poised to harness AI’s benefits while upholding educational excellence. These initiatives reflect a broader trend in Malaysian higher education to balance the benefits of AI with careful oversight and ethical considerations.
By preparing institutions with the right infrastructure, training, and ethical frameworks, AI can enhance learning outcomes and support educators effectively.
Tel: +603-7784 6688 Fax: +603-7785 2625
