Artificial Intelligence
Unisa slams AI cheating scandal reports
Unisa says it promotes the use of AI tools by students, provided they uphold its principles of academic integrity.
The University of South Africa (Unisa) has addressed reports regarding an “AI scandal” related to its recent examinations. Allegations surfaced indicating that numerous examination papers were flagged as “disciplinary cases” due to the alleged use of prohibited AI tools by students.
Unisa clarified that online exams pose unique invigilation challenges for students enrolled at the university compared to traditional on-site examinations. It refuted the reported notion that “hundreds of students” were involved in misconduct, emphasizing the inaccuracies in such claims.
The university emphasized its support for the ethical use of AI tools in academic settings, in alignment with its Policy on Academic Integrity. Unisa stated that it is actively implementing measures to guide students on the appropriate and ethical utilization of AI, recognizing both the advantages and risks associated with AI in education.
Regarding the flagged examination papers, Unisa did not disclose the precise number but underscored its commitment to upholding academic integrity. It highlighted the necessity of proctoring tools for online exam invigilation to maintain the credibility of its examinations and qualifications.
Unisa reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards academic misconduct and dishonesty, asserting that any suspected violations of examination rules are subject to thorough investigation. Disciplinary actions, if warranted, are carried out in accordance with established policies, ensuring fairness and consistency.
The university made it clear that students under investigation are allowed to register for other modules until the completion of the disciplinary processes. Unisa also emphasized its respect for students by maintaining confidentiality during disciplinary proceedings and refraining from engaging with affected students through public channels.
Unisa’s Stance on AI Tools
Unisa reaffirmed its endorsement of students’ use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, provided that it upholds academic integrity. The university outlined ongoing efforts to develop guidelines and policies concerning the ethical utilization of AI in education.
Initiatives include the introduction of a mandatory Academic Integrity course to equip students with the necessary skills to uphold honesty, fairness, and responsible use of generative AI tools. Unisa highlighted the proactive measures it continues to implement, including the use of proctoring tools like the Invigilator App, Moodle, and IRIS to safeguard academic integrity.
Furthermore, the university advocated for the adoption of Turnitin, a web-based text-matching software with an AI content detector, as part of its comprehensive approach to preserving academic integrity. Unisa expressed confidence in the effectiveness of these measures in detecting and preventing misconduct during academic assessments.
