Latest news with #UCT
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
UCT ends use of AI detection tools for student assessments
Students at UCT welcome the university's move to discontinue unreliable AI detection tools. Image: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File In a move likely to be welcomed by students, the University of Cape Town (UCT) has announced that it will discontinue the use of AI detection tools, such as Turnitin's AI Score, effective October 1. The decision follows the endorsement of UCT's AI in Education Framework by the Senate Teaching and Learning Committee in June. According to the university, the framework prioritises ethical AI literacy, assessment integrity, and innovative curriculum design over reliance on automated surveillance tools. The university's Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Brandon Collier-Reed, raised concerns regarding the reliability of AI detection tools, noting that they are widely considered to be unreliable and can produce both false positives and false negatives. "An important related issue is the use of the Turnitin AI Score, which flags passages of writing in student work considered to be AI-generated," Reed said in a communique directed to students and staff. "AI detection tools are widely considered to be unreliable, and can produce both false positives and false negatives. "The continued use of such scores risks compromising student trust and academic fairness. The Senate Teaching and Learning Committee has now agreed that use of the AI Score should be discontinued, and this feature in Turnitin will no longer be available at UCT from October 1, 2025". Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The university's decision comes amid global challenges with AI detection tools, which have frequently resulted in students being mistakenly accused of using AI-generated content. Universities worldwide are being forced to reconsider how they monitor and assess the use of AI in student work. Collier-Reed added that the endorsement of the framework was a result of UCT moving with the times, as 'artificial intelligence technologies are becoming part of our daily lives'. 'Staff and students are using tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini in innovative and productive ways; while at other times these technologies present significant challenges, requiring us to rethink teaching pedagogies, assessment practices and the fundamentals of what a university experience should be, and what our qualifications should signify in a changing world,' he said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
UCT students make history at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
Four UCT students at the UN Sustainable Development Forum. Image: UNPHOTO/Kiara Worth In a groundbreaking moment for youth representation in South African diplomacy, four University of Cape Town (UCT) students made history by representing their nation at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Taking place from 14-24 July at the UN Headquarters in New York, this significant event showcased the voices of youth as part of South Africa's official delegation—an unprecedented development in recent years. Suitably equipped with passion and a commitment to social responsiveness, the UCT delegation comprised Nico Pampier, Seabelo Mnisi, Zou Rwexwana, and Ben Gukelberger. The students participated through the United Nations Association of South Africa – UCT Chapter (UNASA-UCT), contributing to discussions centered on advancing science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year's forum reviewed five pivotal SDGs: SDG 3: Good health and well-being Good health and well-being SDG 5: Gender equality Gender equality SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth Decent work and economic growth SDG 14: Life below water Life below water SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals The HLPF serves as a vital platform bringing together global policymakers, academics, ministers, and civil society to assess collective progress towards achieving these ambitious goals. This inclusion of young voices reflects a growing recognition of the importance of youth engagement in addressing global challenges. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Mnisi, serving as the SDG education director, remarked on the transformative nature of the experience. 'The exposure to multilateral dialogue and international policymaking was profound,' he noted. 'Witnessing how different countries tackle development hurdles with innovative strategies has sharpened my understanding of how we can adapt such frameworks to serve South Africa's development goals.' Gukelberger, who took on the role of outreach director, emphasised the responsibility they bore in amplifying the voices of youth from the Global South. 'The most important part of my being at this forum was to echo the voices of students and youth that we work with now and in the future, at every event and interaction,' he expressed. Pampier, the executive chair, highlighted an urgent call to action for African countries. 'Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063 are roadmaps for African countries to see young people as catalysts for change. We cannot let this be just a stocktaking experience; we must learn from both positives and challenges and take bold actions upon our return.' The forum witnessed the participation of over 250 young delegates from across the globe, indicating a promising trend towards inclusivity in international development conversations. Spearheaded by UCT's Department of Student Affairs' "Student Travel Fund," which supported the travel costs for three of the four delegates, this initiative aims to break down barriers that South African youth face in accessing international platforms. Upon their return, the UCT delegation has plans to translate their experiences into tangible impacts through student-led outreach, policy engagement, and awareness campaigns. They remain steadfast in their belief that universities play a crucial role in enhancing national development through research and evidence-based solutions. Their pioneering involvement not only sets a new precedent for youth participation in South Africa's foreign engagements but also reinforces UCT's dedication to shaping graduates who are prepared to lead in addressing global challenges.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
UCT discontinues AI detection tools, including Turnitin's AI Score
The OpenAI logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen displaying output from ChatGPT. Image: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File UCT has announced that it will discontinue the use of AI detection tools, such as Turnitin's AI Score, effective October 1. This decision follows the endorsement of UCT's AI in Education Framework by the Senate Teaching and Learning Committee in June this year. According to the university, the framework prioritises ethical AI literacy, assessment integrity, and innovative curriculum design over reliance on automated surveillance tools. According to the University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and Learning Professor Brandon Collier-Reed, the institution will discontinue the use of AI detection tools, such as Turnitin's AI Score. He also raised concerns regarding the reliability of AI detection tools, noting that they are widely considered to be unreliable and can produce both false positives and false negatives. "An important related issue is the use of the Turnitin AI Score, which flags passages of writing in student work considered to be AI-generated," Reed said in a communique directed to students and staff. "AI detection tools are widely considered to be unreliable, and can produce both false positives and false negatives. The continued use of such scores risks compromising student trust and academic fairness. The Senate Teaching and Learning Committee has now agreed that use of the AI Score should be discontinued, and this feature in Turnitin will no longer be available at UCT from October 1, 2025". Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The university's decision comes amid global challenges with AI detection tools, which have frequently resulted in students being mistakenly accused of using AI-generated content. Collier-Reed added that the endorsement of the framework was a result of UCT moving with the times, as 'artificial intelligence technologies are becoming part of our daily lives'. 'Staff and students are using tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini in innovative and productive ways; while at other times these technologies present significant challenges, requiring us to rethink teaching pedagogies, assessment practices and the fundamentals of what a university experience should be, and what our qualifications should signify in a changing world,' he said. Cape Times
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
UCT drops use of AI detection software
In a move likely to be welcomed by students, the University of Cape Town (UCT) has announced that it will discontinue the use of AI detection tools, Image: AFP In a move likely to be welcomed by students, the University of Cape Town (UCT) has announced that it will discontinue the use of AI detection tools, such as Turnitin's AI Score, effective October 1, 2025. This decision follows the endorsement of UCT's AI in Education Framework by the Senate Teaching and Learning Committee in June 2025. According to the university, the framework prioritises ethical AI literacy, assessment integrity, and innovative curriculum design over reliance on automated surveillance tools. According to the University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and Learning Professor Brandon Collier-Reed, the institution will discontinue the use of AI detection tools, such as Turnitin's AI Score. He also raised concerns regarding the reliability of AI detection tools, noting that they are widely considered to be unreliable and can produce both false positives and false negatives. "An important related issue is the use of the Turnitin AI Score, which flags passages of writing in student work considered to be AI-generated," Reed said in a communique directed to students and staff. "AI detection tools are widely considered to be unreliable, and can produce both false positives and false negatives. The continued use of such scores risks compromising student trust and academic fairness. The Senate Teaching and Learning Committee has now agreed that use of the AI Score should be discontinued, and this feature in Turnitin will no longer be available at UCT from 1 October 2025". Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The university's decision comes amid global challenges with AI detection tools, which have frequently resulted in students being mistakenly accused of using AI-generated content. universities worldwide are being forced to reconsider how they monitor and assess the use of AI in student work. Collier-Reed added that the endorsement of the framework was a result of UCT moving with the times, as 'artificial intelligence technologies are becoming part of our daily lives'. 'Staff and students are using tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini in innovative and productive ways; while at other times these technologies present significant challenges, requiring us to rethink teaching pedagogies, assessment practices and the fundamentals of what a university experience should be, and what our qualifications should signify in a changing world,' he said. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The South African
6 days ago
- The South African
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.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
