A new survey reveals that 61.3% of Cambridge students have used #ChatGPT to assist with academic work. 29.7% of students have used ChatGPT to assist with assessed work. This is likely a distinction that means little at many universities, where almost all academic work is assessed.
The Varsity article also discussed interventions put in place by different academic departments to curve ChatGPT use, such as more handwritten exams. To me, it’s interesting that the survey only considered ChatGPT, when there are other similar tools out there.
varsity.co.uk/news/29525
Some lecturers were said to be embracing ChatGPT in class. Here’s what ChatGPT suggests history students were shown. More seriously, this rather indicates a disconnect between subjects actively trying to stop #GenAI use and others incorporating it in teaching, all within the same university. No wonder students get confused about what to do.
As one quoted Cambridge student said,
“Why would I read a 70 page article when ChatGPT can just sum it up for me in a paragraph or two?”
As I might say, why read the Varsity article when I’ve already chosen highlights for you?
Thomas Lancaster
@DrLancaster_1
Computer Science academic. Technology and generative AI enthusiast. Known for research into academic integrity and contract cheating.