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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Balancing act: Why experts warn students against solely relying on AI in academics

Balancing act: Why experts warn students against solely relying on AI in academics

Published Mar 12, 2024 09:05 am

At A Glance

  • Researchers gathered for the Annual Scientific Conference (ASC) and 91st General Membership Assembly to discuss how to ensure students use AI responsibly while still reaping its benefits

The Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) held a conference on Tuesday, March 12, addressing a growing concern — Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on academic integrity.

AI unsplash.avif
(Photo from Unsplash)

In a press conference, several experts, led by NRCP Director Dr. Bernardo Sepeda, highlighted that these AI tools are becoming more accessible and ensuring how university students are using these responsibly was also discussed.

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(NRCP researchers during the Annual Scientific Conference (ASC) press conference on March 12, 2024 / Photo by  Rhowen Del Rosario)

“Actually, universities are already taking steps. They have developed protocols to guide both teachers and students,” he said.

"The goal," he explained, "is to uphold the core values of universities – truth, beauty, and depth – and ensure they are not compromised by AI."

At the end of the day, he pointed out that this is also rooted in the teacher's trust in the student and vice versa.

"Teachers need to trust their students, and vice versa," he emphasized.

He compared AI to any other tool; when used incorrectly, “it can raise doubts."

"But just like there are many AI tools, there are also ways to verify a student's actual understanding," he stressed.

Sepeda noted that universities are also exploring open-book exams.

He explained that this is just one way to ensure academic integrity while preparing students to use these tools effectively.

At the same time, he added, this is to prepare students for the "proper ethical use" of these tools in application in the real world.

Meanwhile, NRCP Division of Engineering and Industrial Research Dr. Angelo Ervin S. Choi also emphasized that there is still a way for them to find out if students are studying through traditional assessments.

"Even with AI, there will still be oral defenses and panel discussions. Students will always have the chance to explain and defend their work," he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“So, we will still know if the students really did it. We will continue to use various assessment methods – oral exams, written assignments, and research papers – to get a well-rounded picture of each student's knowledge," he added.

Related Tags

DOST-NRCP Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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