PREVIEW
Agenda Item 4.1: Pros and Cons
of Using Chatbots for
AssignmentsThe committee met
to discuss the effects of students
using chatbots and AI for their
assignments. The main worry
was that students were
performing poorly because they
were submitting work that wasn't
their own.Discussion
Highlights:Issue Overview:Prof
Song mentioned that many
teachers are worried about
students using AI, leading to
assignments that aren't original.
ENN1504
The goal was to educate
students about this problem and
find solutions together
NATALIE FOXX
2024 MAY EXAM ANSWERS
, Minutes of the Teaching and Learning Ad hoc
Committee Meeting
Agenda Item 4.1: Pros and Cons of Using Chatbots for Assignments
The committee met to discuss the effects of students using chatbots and AI for their
assignments. The main worry was that students were performing poorly because
they were submitting work that wasn't their own.
Discussion Highlights:
Issue Overview:
Prof Song mentioned that many teachers are worried about students using AI,
leading to assignments that aren't original. The goal was to educate students about
this problem and find solutions together.
Academics' Perspective:
• Dr Sibeko emphasized that many students, particularly in modules like
Practising Workplace English and literature courses, are not engaging
creatively with the material. Instead, they are copying and pasting answers
generated by chatbots, which lecturers can easily detect due to
inconsistencies in writing styles.
• Dr Smith suggested that students could use chatbots to enhance their
learning by comparing AI-generated answers with their own, using AI as a
brainstorming tool rather than a primary source.
Students' Perspective:
• Nthabiseng expressed concern that the committee's approach seemed
patronizing, stressing the need for a balanced dialogue where students'
opinions are equally valued.
• Thabang proposed that academics should guide students on the ethical and
effective use of AI rather than threatening them with failure. He emphasized
the need for students to be taught how to integrate AI-generated content
responsibly.
Educational Insights:
• Dr Smith and Ms Brown pointed out AI's limitations, such as generating
incorrect information (AI hallucination) and failing to provide localized
examples relevant to students' socio-political contexts. This makes it clear
when an assignment lacks originality and personal input.
Consensus and Conclusion:
Agenda Item 4.1: Pros and Cons
of Using Chatbots for
AssignmentsThe committee met
to discuss the effects of students
using chatbots and AI for their
assignments. The main worry
was that students were
performing poorly because they
were submitting work that wasn't
their own.Discussion
Highlights:Issue Overview:Prof
Song mentioned that many
teachers are worried about
students using AI, leading to
assignments that aren't original.
ENN1504
The goal was to educate
students about this problem and
find solutions together
NATALIE FOXX
2024 MAY EXAM ANSWERS
, Minutes of the Teaching and Learning Ad hoc
Committee Meeting
Agenda Item 4.1: Pros and Cons of Using Chatbots for Assignments
The committee met to discuss the effects of students using chatbots and AI for their
assignments. The main worry was that students were performing poorly because
they were submitting work that wasn't their own.
Discussion Highlights:
Issue Overview:
Prof Song mentioned that many teachers are worried about students using AI,
leading to assignments that aren't original. The goal was to educate students about
this problem and find solutions together.
Academics' Perspective:
• Dr Sibeko emphasized that many students, particularly in modules like
Practising Workplace English and literature courses, are not engaging
creatively with the material. Instead, they are copying and pasting answers
generated by chatbots, which lecturers can easily detect due to
inconsistencies in writing styles.
• Dr Smith suggested that students could use chatbots to enhance their
learning by comparing AI-generated answers with their own, using AI as a
brainstorming tool rather than a primary source.
Students' Perspective:
• Nthabiseng expressed concern that the committee's approach seemed
patronizing, stressing the need for a balanced dialogue where students'
opinions are equally valued.
• Thabang proposed that academics should guide students on the ethical and
effective use of AI rather than threatening them with failure. He emphasized
the need for students to be taught how to integrate AI-generated content
responsibly.
Educational Insights:
• Dr Smith and Ms Brown pointed out AI's limitations, such as generating
incorrect information (AI hallucination) and failing to provide localized
examples relevant to students' socio-political contexts. This makes it clear
when an assignment lacks originality and personal input.
Consensus and Conclusion:
