Exam and Assignment Strategies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence at Canadian Universities
As the fall term begins at Canadian universities, professors are developing new methods against cheating attempts facilitated by artificial intelligence tools.
Academics at Western University in Canada are redesigning assignment and exam formats to address the challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Claude in student assessments.
Academic Integrity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
As the fall term begins at universities across Canada, professors face a fundamental challenge in assessing students fairly with the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence.
The Status of AI Detection Software
Mark Daley, Chief AI Officer at Western University, noted that Canadian universities generally discourage AI detection software because these tools are not entirely reliable.
AI-Free Computer Laboratories
Associate Professor David Bourget developed a specialized software called MATCHA for his philosophy course. Students use this program in an on-campus computer laboratory where artificial intelligence tools are blocked.
Return to Pen and Paper
Selma Purac, Undergraduate Chair in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western, has moved essay-writing processes to supervised in-class sessions supported by previously completed worksheets, utilizing pen and paper.
Conditional AI Usage
Guneet Kaur Nagpal from the Ivey Business School plans to increase the weight of oral exams while allowing students to use AI as an assistant under strict rules.
Courses That Embrace AI
History professor William Turkel encourages students in his Digital Research Methods course to use artificial intelligence as much as they want as a virtual teammate in group projects.