UAE Schools Tackle Bot-Enabled Plagiarism with Measures

In response to a growing trend of students utilizing AI tools, such as ChatGPT, for academic assignments, educational institutions in the UAE are taking decisive actions. Some schools are opting to block ChatGPT on school-issued devices and Wi-Fi to counteract bot-enabled plagiarism, while others are adopting inventive practices like requiring students to cite or reference sources when submitting work.

Vice Chancellor, Academics, and Dean of Gulf Medical University’s College of Medicine, Professor Manda Venkatraman underscores the importance of tools like plagiarism checkers and software solutions. These measures play a vital role in upholding the integrity and authenticity of students’ work.

While the rise of AI chatbots hasn’t necessarily inflated overall cheating rates, educators acknowledge that AI technologies, including GPT models, have provided students with alternative means to complete assignments.

Perspectives from Education Leaders

James Picowye, Dean of Zayed University’s College of Communication and Media Sciences, recognizes AI as an opportunity but emphasizes the need to clearly define its role in education.
Lisa Johnson, Principal of the American Academy for Girls, advocates for designing assignments that demand personalized and creative input, positioning AI as a tool for learning enhancement rather than a shortcut.

Educators are treading the fine line between preventing cheating and embracing technology. Some institutions are actively working to integrate AI tools into their learning frameworks, focusing on questions of academic integrity rather than enforcing outright bans.

As AI continues to evolve, educators stress the need to rethink educational frameworks and instill a sense of responsibility and integrity among students. The objective is not to fear AI but to harness its potential as a tool for enriched learning experiences.

UAE educational institutions are proactively confronting the challenges presented by AI-driven cheating, aiming to cultivate a culture of academic integrity while leveraging the opportunities that technology brings to education.