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ChatGPT – A new relationship between humans and machines [Op-ed]

The AI debate goes much further than cheating on exams or generating texts for scientific articles; it is also about university values. For University World News, EUA’s Thomas Jørgensen explores this new relationship between humans and machines, its risks, benefits, and what it means for the integrity of academic work.

In his contribution to a special report on “AI and Higher Education”, Thomas takes a look at how the sector has reacted to ChatGPT, but first and foremost highlights that understanding how such artificial intelligence tools work is key to assessing benefits and risks.

The article describes how certain standardised tasks – e.g. writing emails and small, simple texts - can be automated using tools like ChatGPT, but that academic writing using the tool needs a thorough critical review and editing. As such, it also asks whether through this process of polishing the raw, machine-made text, we may become more aware of the differences between humans and machines and learn to value our creativity and playfulness.

Thomas also refers to a recent EUA statement on Artificial intelligence tools and their responsible use in higher education learning and teaching. This paper underlines how ChatGPT raises questions for universities in terms of updating policies to take these kinds of tools into account while safeguarding academic integrity, a process which should be seen as part of the continuous development of learning and teaching and the discussions regarding recognition of course work and authentic assessment.

The full article is available on University World News: ChatGPT – A new relationship between humans and machines.

“Expert Voices” is an online platform featuring original commentary and analysis on the higher education and research sector in Europe. It offers EUA experts, members and partners the opportunity to share their expertise and perspectives in an interactive and flexible exchange on key topics in the field.

All views expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of EUA.

Thomas Jorgensen

Thomas Jørgensen is Director of Policy Coordination and Foresight at the European University Association.

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