In a progressive move by the Northern (Arctic) Federal University located in Arkhangelsk, students have been given the green light to utilize artificial intelligence tools to assist in the creation of up to 40% of their thesis work.
Elsewhere, the Higher School of Economics (HSE) is challenging its students to incorporate neural networks in the preparation of their final graduation papers. They have initiated a competition to assess the effectiveness with which students employ generative model-based tools in their dissertations due for defense in 2024. Participating students must document the specific AI tools applied, the objectives they set, and whether they successfully achieved these goals.
At ITMO University, there is an understanding amongst educators that if a graduate can produce code with the aid of AI, this achievement qualifies for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree.
However, AI in academic work has been contentious. A case that sparked debate occurred one and a half years ago when Alexander Zhdan, a student at the Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH), reported that he had written his entire thesis using a neural network algorithm that he programmed himself. Following this revelation, the use of AI in diploma work was banned in that institution.
Conversely, the response from VOENMEH has been notably critical towards the integration of AI in academic work. The authorities at VOENMEH assert that a final qualification work should be an independent effort by the student under the supervision of an academic tutor, confirming the student’s knowledge. They believe any employment of AI would lead to a mandate for the student to extensively revise their thesis.
Key Questions & Answers:
– What are the stances of various Russian universities on the use of AI in diploma writing?
The stances vary: Northern (Arctic) Federal University allows up to 40% AI-generated content in theses, HSE promotes AI’s use through a competition, ITMO University accepts AI-assistance as qualifying work, RSUH banned its use after a controversy, while VOENMEH is highly critical of AI in academic writing.
– What are the key challenges associated with the use of AI in academic writing?
Ensuring academic integrity, maintaining the quality of scholarship, and the challenge of properly assessing the student’s own contribution versus that of AI are central issues. Additionally, there’s the challenge of updating academic criteria to accommodate new technologies without compromising educational standards.
– What controversies has the use of AI in diploma writing sparked?
At RSUH, a student completed a thesis with a self-programmed neural network, leading to a ban on AI in diploma work due to concerns over academic integrity. This underscores the broader debate about AI’s role in education and the importance of human effort in academic achievements.
Advantages of AI in Academic Writing:
– Assists in data analysis and literature review.
– Can help students focus on critical analysis and interpretation.
– May encourage the development of new research methodologies.
– Can serve as a learning tool for AI and data science skills.
Disadvantages of AI in Academic Writing:
– Potentially undermines the development of independent research skills.
– Raises questions about the originality of the student’s work.
– Leads to challenges in accurately assessing student performance.
– May diminish the perceived value of academic qualifications.
Relevant Links:
For the latest advancements and debates in artificial intelligence: AI.org
For general information on Russian higher education: Edu.ru
It is crucial to consider that the decision to integrate AI into higher education varies widely across institutions and disciplines. The balance struck between using AI as a tool and ensuring that students retain essential skills traditionally associated with diploma work is delicate. The various Russian universities exemplify the spectrum of possible stances, reflecting global debates on the role of technology in education.