Navigating AI Challenges: How Lecturers Are Adapting to Student Technology Use
As a lecturer in music at a prominent UK university, Ben Jennings’ cartoon regarding the threat AI poses to the creative industries is strikingly relevant, not just for these industries but also for the educational institutions that support them. Universities are currently facing a crisis stemming from a myriad of issues, including the commercialization of education. Consequently, I often find myself questioning whether students are utilizing AI to craft their essays and, more concerning, their music compositions. The inability to conclusively prove this leaves us feeling powerless.
I would estimate that at least half of the written submissions I receive have some input from AI. I genuinely believe that many students are unaware that this constitutes cheating. The rapid development of these technologies has left us uncertain about how to guide our students in their use. While these tools can be beneficial when used correctly, many academics are at a loss on how to integrate them into the educational process.
We now face an absurd situation where work can be produced by AI and evaluated by AI, presenting a troubling scenario for the human intellect. As a result, more academics are recognizing the need to reintroduce in-person exams. I personally support this shift, and I believe many others share this sentiment.
