By Nakiwala Barbra
Hannah a first-year university student, deeply regrets using AI to cheat on two of her essays. Reflecting on the incident, she explained that the pressure to succeed, coupled with the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, led her to make a poor decision.
“I massively regret using AI to cheat at university,” she shared. Hanna, whose real name has been changed, warns other students about the consequences of relying on AI for academic dishonesty.
Hannah’s case was brought before an academic misconduct panel, which has the authority to expel students found guilty of cheating. Her experience sheds light on the delicate balance universities face as they promote AI literacy while also cracking down on its misuse.
Hannah’s essays were flagged by her lecturer, who used detection software to identify potential AI-generated content. “My stomach was in knots as I sat outside the office, thinking how stupid it was,” she recalled.
When her tutor reviewed the flagged work, he pointed out, “You were doing really well until this point, and then it all went downhill.” Hannah was awarded a zero on the assignment and soon received an email from her tutor informing her of suspected academic misconduct.
Initially, Hannah considered denying that she had cheated, but when faced with the detection software’s high AI-use percentage, she broke down and admitted to using AI. Despite her admission, the panel ultimately cleared her due to a lack of concrete evidence. “I could have been kicked out,” Hanna reflected, adding, “The fact that it was my first year probably played a part in why they decided not to take it further.”
Hannah’s experience highlights the ongoing struggle universities face in addressing the use of AI in academic settings. Many institutions, particularly in the West, are introducing guidelines to clarify when and how AI can be used responsibly. Some universities strictly ban AI usage unless explicitly permitted, while others allow AI for minor tasks like grammar and vocabulary checks, or even for generating content, provided it is properly cited and referenced.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education acknowledged the potential of generative AI to transform education, but emphasized the need for careful integration. “Generative AI has great potential to transform the education sector and provide exciting opportunities for growth. However, integrating it into teaching, learning, and assessment will require careful consideration.”
As universities grapple with how to harness the benefits of AI while minimizing its risks, they aim to prepare students for a future where AI will likely play a significant role in the workforce.
