SINGAPORE — A troubling case is unfolding at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) involving three students penalised for allegedly committing academic fraud through the use of artificial intelligence tools in their assignments. The university has assembled a panel of AI experts to review the appeals of the affected students, raising important questions about academic integrity and the usage of technology in education.
Students Accused and Appeals Process
This all began after the students submitted essays as part of a module on health, disease outbreaks, and politics. Each student was awarded zero marks, which left one of them—who prefers to remain anonymous—feeling dejected. “They said I committed academic fraud because I used a reference organiser,” she explained.
The recent saga has sparked intense discussions on academic policy at NTU. On 26 June 2024, the university spokesperson confirmed that two students attended consultations to discuss the grounds for their appeals. For one student, the appeal was accepted; the other was rejected.
- The first student provided a time-lapse video of her writing process, recorded using the Draftback Chrome extension, to contest the allegations.
- The second student used AI merely for background research but was still penalised for what she believed was a misinterpretation of NTU’s AI policies.
- The third student reportedly did not appeal and accepted his grade, despite having concerns about how it might affect his future.
Discussion on AI Policies in Education
According to a spokesperson for NTU, students generally have the freedom to use generative AI in assignments; however, they must adhere to academic integrity guidelines. “Students are responsible for the content generated and must ensure citation accuracy,” the spokesperson emphasised.
The university’s policy allows instructors to disallow AI tools for specific assignments to assess students’ original thinking and research skills. In a briefing slide highlighted during discussions, students were informed that using generative AI tools would result in a zero mark for their essays. The slide specifically stated, “You will receive a zero mark for the assignment if you are caught using ChatGPT and other AI for writing assignments.”
Voices of the Students
The students have expressed mixed feelings about the outcomes of their meetings with the consultation panel. The first student described her consultation as supportive and fair, stating that she felt her concerns were heard. However, the second student felt disheartened, arguing that there was confusion around what constituted acceptable AI use, particularly for research purposes.
One student who faced penalties shared, “Right now, it’s not so much about my grades anymore. It’s become a bigger issue in the sense of justice.” This sentiment resonates with broader conversations about educational fairness and the clarity of institutional policies.
Looking Ahead
As the students await the final decisions on their appeals, the outcomes are set to influence not only their academic records but also NTU’s future approach to integrating AI into education. The university remains committed to ethically and effectively incorporating technology into learning, recognising that clarity in policy will be essential for maintaining academic integrity.