ANU accused of ‘hysterical’ response to students using AI to cheat as unis scramble to ‘secure’ assessments
Summary
Australian universities, including the Australian National University (ANU), are responding quickly to concerns about students using artificial intelligence (AI) to cheat on assessments. ANU is considering new rules to classify assessments based on their security against AI misuse and may require students to declare when they use AI. Some academics say the response is rushed and could harm inclusive teaching.Key Facts
- Many Australian students use generative AI tools, with 78.9% of secondary and tertiary students reporting usage in 2025.
- ANU published a consultation paper with options like marking assessments as “secure” (free from AI cheating) or “insecure,” or requiring AI usage declarations.
- Some ANU staff feel the university’s response to AI cheating is panicked and not well planned.
- There are concerns that tougher assessment rules might reduce accessibility for students with disabilities or caregiving roles.
- ANU law professor Will Bateman warns that failing to maintain education quality could lead to losing intellectual skills to overseas companies in California and China.
- The University of Queensland (UQ) has also started enforcing “secure” assessments and is balancing traditional exams with rules about AI use.
- UQ requires students who use AI in assessments to critically explain how they used it.
- Universities aim to assure the public that their graduates have genuine knowledge and skills despite the rise of AI tools.
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