Experts in grading exams may have difficulty identifying responses produced by Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to researchers. The study took place at the University of Reading in the UK, where university officials are examining the potential drawbacks and advantages of AI for research, teaching, learning, and assessment. As a result of their discoveries, updated guidance has already been given to faculty and students. The researchers are urging for worldwide considerations on the implications of AI in education.The education sector needs to follow the example of Reading and other institutions by creating new policies and guidance to address the emerging issue of AI-generated exam answers. A study published in PLOS ONE found that ChatGPT’s exam answers went undetected in 94% of cases and received higher grades than real student submissions. This study was the largest and most rigorous of its kind, challenging human educators to detect AI-generated content.Dr. Peter Scarfe and Professor Etienne Roesch, who led the study at Reading’s School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, emphasized the importance of their findings for educators worldwide. According to a recent UNESCO survey of 450 schools and universities, less than 10% had policies or guidance on the use of generative AI.
Dr. Scarfe pointed out that many institutions have moved away from traditional exams to create more inclusive assessments. Their research highlights the international significance of understanding how AI will impact the integrity of educational assessments.
“It’s unlikely that we will fully return to handwritten exams, so it’s crucial to assess the potential impact of AI on the education sector,” Dr. Scarfe added.Written exams are still important, but the field of global education must adapt to the presence of AI.
“It is a demonstration of the honest academic rigor and dedication to research integrity at Reading that we have chosen to examine ourselves in order to lead in this area,” Professor Roesch stated.
According to Professor Roesch, “As a sector, we need to come to an agreement on how we anticipate students utilizing and acknowledging the role of AI in their work. This also applies to the broader use of AI in other aspects of life in order to prevent a crisis of confidence throughout society.”
“Our research emphasizes the accountability we hold as creators and consumers of information. We must establish guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of AI,” Professor Roesch highlighted.We are fully committed to upholding academic and research integrity.”
Professor Elizabeth McCrum, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience at the University of Reading, stated: “It is evident that AI will significantly impact various areas of our lives, including how we educate students and evaluate their progress.
“At Reading, we have implemented a comprehensive program to review all aspects of our teaching, including utilizing technology to improve student experience and enhance graduates’ employability skills.
“This includes moving away from outdated assessment methods and embracing new solutions to ensure academic and research integrity.”Encouraging the development of skills that are relevant to the workplace, such as utilizing AI, is crucial. It is also important to promote alternative methods that allow students to showcase their expertise and abilities to peers from different fields.
