6 days ago
Why UCT has stopped policing AI-generated student work
In the global education debate on artificial intelligence (AI), the University of Cape Town (UCT) has officially adopted a university-wide framework.
The roadmap – called the UCT AI in Education Framework – sets out how this tech should be integrated into teaching, learning and assessment.
Central to the new policy is the decision to stop using AI detection tools, such as Turnitin's AI Score, from 1 October, citing concerns over their accuracy and fairness.
According to Sukaina Walji, director of UCT's Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching, the framework is the result of months of consultation and development.
'AI detectors are simply not reliable…there are no magic solutions,' said Walji, while the University noted that these tools risk undermining student trust and fairness.
'We're focusing instead on assessing the process of learning, not just the product, and developing assessment strategies that are AI-resilient.'
These include oral exams, collaborative projects, and reflective assignments where students must disclose how they've used AI.
The Framework also includes practical support – such as training, workshops, online guides, and a six-week short course for educators – to help staff and students navigate AI responsibly.
According to education professor Jonathan Jansen, South African universities are slow to adapt and what UCT is doing now should have been done five years ago.
AI analyst Arthur Goldstuck echoed that view, while welcoming the move away from 'flawed' detection software.
'Many students will get AI to write the entire paper,' added Goldstuck.
'Detection tools should only be used as a basic screening mechanism, they're too unreliable to be conclusive.'
'The real danger is penalising students who've done nothing wrong.'
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