The Role of AI in University Essay Writing

Exam season is looming at many universities across the United Kingdom; this time of year can be stressful for students as they try to find a way to revise everything they have learnt over their time in further education. This year, there is a new tool available that could potentially aid revision and help with the stress of essay writing – ChatGPT. 

As students are turning to AI to supplement their own knowledge, universities are finding themselves on the back foot, trying to keep up with the many advancements in technology. Can ChatGPT be a help or hindrance to further education? Guidance needs to be formulated quickly by universities in order to answer this question. 

The University of Bath has conducted research into Chat GPT and its ability to create essays and answers for students who are willing to use it to assist their studies. The findings gave a mixed response; multiple choice questions proved easy to answer, with a high success rate. However, essay responses that required a level of critical thinking showed the difference between AI and the human brain. Chat GPT included references in its answer which turned out to be made up; this would be picked up quickly during the marking of an essay. In general, the quality of answer that ChatGPT gave was good, but more suitable to secondary school level rather than university standard. 

This all suggests that ChatGPT has some way to go before it can be considered as a suitable option for essay writing at university level. At this point in time, it should be used as a starting point, rather than completely replacing students’ own critical thinking. Universities need to find a place for ChatGPT in their institutions, as it is only going to become more influential over the next few years. Guidelines need to be created so students are aware of the restrictions, as well as educating them about the benefits of AI as they enter the workplace. This will all help to create tech-savvy employees for the future workforce.

Read more about...

Read more...

News

The Role of AI in University Essay Writing

Exam season is looming at many universities across the United Kingdom; this time of year can be stressful for students as they try to find ...
Read More →
News

Where to find the happiest students in the country? Head to London!

A recent survey has revealed that university students in London are the ‘happiest’ in the United Kingdom. Results indicate that they are extremely satisfied with ...
Read More →

Latest News

News

Where to find the happiest students in the country? Head to London!

A recent survey has revealed that university students in London are the ‘happiest’ in the United Kingdom. Results indicate that they are extremely satisfied with …

Read More →
A female scientist looking at liquid through a microscope
News

Universities at the forefront of the UK’s reputation for science and technology

Universities in the United Kingdom are at the forefront of improving the country’s reputation as a leader in science and technology across the world. Britain ...
Read More →
News

Most overseas students who stay in UK find graduate-level roles

A new study has revealed that nearly three-quarters of overseas students studying in the UK and staying there after graduating are employed in graduate-level positions. ...
Read More →
News

UK university startups and spinouts on the rise, report finds

Universities are a breeding ground for producing innovative ideas that have a profound impact on our society. Some of the best-known worldwide companies, for example, ...
Read More →
News

UK government proposes to extend working hours of international students

The UK government is in discussions to extend the amount of time international students are contracted to work in the country. Currently, the limit is ...
Read More →
News

New change on UCAS form benefits students with caring responsibilities

For the first time, prospective students applying to UK universities are being given the opportunity to detail their personal circumstances on their UCAS form. This ...
Read More →