Special Reports – Global Edition
AI and Higher Education

Exploring generative AI and the implications for universities

This is part of a weekly University World News special report series on ‘AI and higher education’. The focus is on how universities are engaging with ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence tools. The articles from academics and our journalists around the world are exploring developments and university work in AI that have implications for higher education institutions and systems, students and staff, and teaching, learning and research.
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Exploring generative AI and the implications for universities

This is the launch edition of a University World News special report on ‘AI and higher education’. The focus is on how universities around the world are responding to ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence tools. This will be followed by a weekly series of articles exploring developments in AI that have implications for higher education institutions and systems, students and staff, and teaching, learning and research.
The debate over banning ChatGPT and transforming university assessment rages on, but while there are potential pitfalls to artificial intelligence, these can be outweighed by the benefits. By embracing new technologies and innovative teaching, universities can remain relevant and effective in preparing students for future challenges.
The release of ChatGPT has been greeted with ‘moral panic’ and declarations on the death of the essay, but experts argue that focusing on the plagiarism aspects is counterproductive and ChatGPT can be used to improve the way students are taught to think.
Universities in Asia are on the alert over new generative artificial intelligence writing tools such as ChatGPT and other AI-assisted tools that can help students write text or code. Some universities moved early to ban their use while others have been more cautious.
The immediate reaction to ChatGPT by some in higher education has been to ban it. But taking a step back towards more traditional ways of assessing students or trying to outsmart it with new technology will just lead universities into an arms race where we will always be behind.
Researchers should see ChatGPT as an aide, not a threat, and one that might have particular uses for emerging economy researchers, graduate students and early career researchers. It is just possible that ChatGPT, and similar artificial intelligence tools, could help democratise the research process.