Students using AI to cheat up 700%, and it's 'just the tip of the iceberg'

Scottish university students were caught using artificial intelligence to cheat in assessments in more than 1,000 academic misconduct cases last year. The shocking figures released by Scottish universities show a 700 per cent rise in the use of AI from 131 incidents in 2022-23 to 1,051 in 2023-24, fuelling growing concerns about the technology. Abertay University in Dundee introduced ‘unacceptable AI use’ as a misconduct category in 2023 and last year upheld 342 complaints. The shocking figures released by Scottish universities show a 700 per cent rise in the use of AI from 131 incidents in 2022-23 to 1,051 in 2023-24 While AI can help universities by tackling administrative tasks in a fraction of the time it would take hard-pressed staff, there are concerns about students using it for plagiarism Some Scottish universities such as Stirling University, have added a specific AI category to its procedures ahead of 2023-24 At the University of Edinburgh, 78 students were penalised for academic misconduct involving the misuse of AI last year. ‘If Scottish universities are seen as vulnerable to students using AI to replace thinking or hard work of their own, it will be hugely damaging for the sector’s reputation internationally.’ Scottish Conservative education spokesman Miles Briggs said 'AI is tearing through universities and causing a significant headache for lecturers' Concerns have been raised over the impact the use of AI in Scottish universities, and what it could mean for their international reputation A recent focus group for the Scottish Qualifications Authority found that many teachers and lecturers believed there needed to be an overhaul of assessments in schools and colleges as a result of the rise of AI.