Academic Dishonesty, Essay Mills, and Artificial Intelligence: Rethinking Assessment Strategies

Abstract

[EN] This paper considers how universities should respond to the threat from academic dishonesty, including essay mills, and Artificial Intelligence undermining assessment processes, and institutional credibility. The article describes steps taken to combat the use of essay mills, but also tools like ChatGPT, apparently able to generate essays that appear credible, and sufficient to offer a solution to an imminent deadline. The paper argues for reconsideration of the traditional essay, which may already be of questionable value. We should look to alternatives. The paper discusses whether universities should ban ChatGPT and similar tools, or accept them and design assessment processes that are more difficult to fake. The paper proposes a modified version of the essay, namely a reflective report, and explains why this is a more creative and idiosyncratic approach, better suited to today’s learners, and better aligned with employers’ expectations regarding employability and the skills graduates need.