UK universities see surge in students cheating with AI tools
Cheating in British universities is quietly changing form -- and AI tools like ChatGPT are at the centre of it. A Guardian investigation has revealed that almost 7,000 university students were caught using AI to cheat in 2023-24, a sharp rise from the previous year.That's about 5.1 students per 1,000, and early figures for 2024-25 suggest that the number could rise again.advertisementThis jump in AI misuse has come amid a drop in traditional plagiarism cases, showing how students are swapping copy-paste tactics for AI-generated content.
In 2019-20, plagiarism made up nearly two-thirds of all academic misconduct. But by 2023-24, those cases dropped to 15.2 per 1,000, and early data shows it may fall even further to 8.5 per 1,000 this year.UNIVERSITIES STILL PLAYING CATCH-UPThe Guardian requested misconduct data from 155 UK universities. While 131 responded, not all could give complete records, and many still don't log AI misuse separately, showing just how unprepared the system is.Experts believe most AI cheating goes undetected. A recent University of Reading experiment found AI-written essays bypassed detection software 94% of the time.Students are also getting smarter about using AI -- YouTube and TikTok are full of tips on how to 'humanise' AI text to dodge university detectors.STUDENTS SEE AI AS A TOOL, NOT JUST A CHEATadvertisementAccording to the investigation, students aren't just copy-pasting answers. Some use AI tools to plan structure, paraphrase complex points, or summarise readings -- especially those with learning difficulties like dyslexia.AI, in that sense, is also seen as a study aid, not just a shortcut.SHIFTING HOW STUDENTS ARE ASSESSEDStill, this shift is forcing universities to rethink how they assess students. Exams may not fully solve the problem, and not every skill worth learning can be tested in-person.Experts say the focus now needs to shift to teaching skills AI can't easily replace -- like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork -- while also helping students understand the value behind the assignments they're given.The UK government, meanwhile, says it's investing in skills programmes and wants AI to support, not damage, education. But for now, the sector is still figuring out how to balance the benefits of AI with the risks it brings to fair learning.
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