ECU has a long tradition of embracing change and adopting new ways of working.
Key teaching and learning academics from Edith Cowan University (ECU) have been swift to apply a critical lens to the new phenomenon of ChatGPT.
The University's Centre for Learning and Teaching, Manager Dr Andrew Kelly and Learning Adviser Dr Miriam Sullivan, collaborated with Digital and Information Literacy Librarian Dr Paul McLaughlan to conduct immediate research on the new technology’s potential impact on student learning and academic integrity.
ECU researchers explain that the release of ChatGPT sparked significant academic integrity concerns in higher education sector, however, some commentators have pointed out that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT could actually be used to enhance student learning.
"We examined and analysed news articles on this public debate and university responses and found that most universities are still undecided about their policy response to ChatGPT," said Dr Sullivan.
ECU researchers collated and reviewed media coverage surrounding ChatGPT, exploring several key themes, including university responses, academic integrity and plagiarism concerns, the limitations and weaknesses of AI tool outputs, and the opportunities for student learning.
"The main theme to emerge was that of academic integrity. Newspapers were reporting that ChatGPT was just a tool for cheating, and how we would need to change all of our assignments to stop students from using it."
"We found there was a lack of public discussion about the potential for ChatGPT to enhance participation and success for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and that the student voice was poorly represented in the media."
"We recommend that university staff need to be more careful about how they discuss ChatGPT in the media, focusing on empowering student voices rather than perpetuating ideas that ChatGPT is only for cheating."
"Universities have a distinctive role and responsibility to investigate the validity and potential opportunities presented by technological advances."
ECU has a long tradition of embracing change and adopting new ways of working. This research reflects ECU’s commitment to teaching quality and upholds our values of equity and inclusion for students and embracing broader social, technological, and environmental advances.
"We see a positive way forward where academics adapt their teaching and assessment practices to embrace the new reality of living, working, and studying in a world where AI is freely available."
ChatGPT in higher education: Considerations for academic integrity and student learning is co-authored by Dr Miriam Sullivan, Dr Andrew Kelly and Dr Paul McLaughlan from Edith Cowan University.
