AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in higher education, with applications ranging from personalized learning to automated grading to essay writing assistance. While some administrators have remained hopeful about the potential benefits of implementing AI learning tools, others have remained wary of its implications for academic integrity. In addition to concerns about plagiarism and cheating, there is also the potential for students to over-rely on AI tools.
There are three types of policies that higher education institutions have been implementing when it comes to AI:
1. Flexible: Some institutions allow the use of AI tools with clear guidelines and oversight.
2. Restrictive: Some institutions outright ban or heavily restrict the use of AI in student coursework.
3. Evolving: Some institutions are continuously updating their policies to address the changing landscape of AI in higher education.
There are also, of course, institutions that have opted not to establish a policy at all.
Companies that provide educational services have also communicated their stances on AI in education. Larger education companies are more likely to have official policies in place over AI, and are also more likely to be investing in AI tools to add to their platforms. Some companies claim that giving students access to AI tools—such as tutoring, translation, and text rewriting—makes students less likely to abuse those resources. However, other companies disagree that providing students with more AI-centric help and less human-centric help is beneficial, especially in the long run.
One such company, Link-Systems International, Inc. (LSI), produces its on-demand tutoring platform NetTutor without the use of AI tutoring—just live human tutors. NetTutor’s philosophy on AI-powered educational tools takes into consideration that some schools may allow students to use AI, in which case students will be guided in the use of critical thinking and consciousness of academic integrity. To prevent students from overreliance on AI tools and to protect the integrity of the tutoring session, NetTutor’s stance is never to introduce AI technology to students or use AI in lieu of the tutoring process.
“While AI has its place in education, our commitment is to ensure that students develop critical thinking and integrity through personalized, human-centric tutoring. AI can be a powerful tool, but it should never replace the guidance and mentorship that only a human tutor can provide,” commented Vincent Forese, President of LSI.
As the debate over the role of AI in higher education continues, it is clear that institutions and educational companies must carefully consider their policies and practices to balance the benefits with potential drawbacks. By implementing thoughtful and adaptive approaches, higher education can harness the power of AI to enhance learning, while maintaining academic integrity and encouraging critical thinking.
Whether through flexible, restrictive, or evolving policies, or by fostering human-centric educational experiences like those offered by NetTutor, the goal remains the same: to provide students with the ideal tools and support for their academic pursuits.
Published by: Martin De Juan
