Universities give up using software to detect AI in students’ work


In a university meeting room, a holographic display shows a broken padlock icon, symbolizing the failure or abandonment of AI detection software. Professionals are seated around a conference table, some looking at laptops. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
Universities are re-evaluating their strategies for academic integrity as many are moving away from relying on software to detect AI-generated content in student assignments. This shift reflects growing complexities and challenges in accurately identifying AI’s role in students’ work. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

RNZ

Summary

Several New Zealand universities, including Massey, Auckland, and Victoria, have abandoned AI-detection software in student assessments, citing unreliability and inconsistency. Massey University’s move followed a major online exam monitoring failure in 2024, after which academics reported that detection results were often misused to accuse students. Research shows detection tools are easy to fool, leading institutions to shift towards alternative strategies: secured in-person assessments, oral defences, and checking document version histories. Universities stress they are not giving up on integrity but adapting to a changing environment by embedding AI literacy and focusing on preventative measures rather than flawed detection.

Key Points

  • Massey, Auckland, and Victoria universities no longer use AI detection software due to poor reliability.
  • Detection tools were inconsistent, with some staff misusing results to accuse students.
  • Alternative checks include document history tracking, professional judgement, and oral exams.
  • Universities focus on secured assessments (e.g. labs, studios, exams) rather than online monitoring.
  • Shift aims to prioritise AI literacy, ethics, and learning-centred approaches over surveillance.

Keywords

URL

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/574517/universities-give-up-using-software-to-detect-ai-in-students-work

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


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