Distance students accused of AI use

A Massey@Distance Facebook thread started a discussion among students who have been flagged for AI use, despite claiming they never used it.  

One student who had this issue said their lecturer gave them three options: Admit to using AI and redo the assignment with a grade penalty, provide evidence that the assignment was their own work, or finally, have a meeting with the academic integrity officers.  

Massey University uses Turnitin AI to detect students using AI in their work. 

Student Andrew Turnbull was curious about AI detectors and submitted an essay to three different platforms.  

His AI use ratings ranged from 100%, 41% and 0%.  

The repercussions for students flagged by AI detection systems can be severe including reduced grades, academic probation, or even disciplinary action, according to Massey’s website.  

Massey University provost Giselle Byrnes said human judgement is first to determine AI usage, including looking at factual observations, academic judgement, file metadata, clear mistakes and fake content.  

“We are constantly monitoring the research in this area to inform our approach and to ensure the tools we use for detection remain fit-for-purpose.”  

AI detection tools rely on algorithms that may not perfectly distinguish between human and AI-generated text, and sometimes produce false positives. 

“Where a student’s work has been flagged for AI use, the approach is to give students the opportunity to provide evidence (such as notes and assignment drafts) to show that the work is not the product of AI or to resubmit their work for a capped mark.”