There is no feeling like it. You stand there with bated breath, waiting for your name to be called. This is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication … determination. Underneath your black gown, your nervous system is in flux, you are a veritable cauldron of emotions. “I can’t believe I did it,” you think to yourself. Then it happens. You are called to the front. Applause fills the graduation hall. You hear the cheers of your family. You reflect on the sacrifices they have made, that you have made. You leave the stage, beaming, degree in hand and your future ahead of you. You have just graduated. But, what you are holding is just a piece of paper, a certificate, a proof of you accomplishments. A degree is so much more, and artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly devaluing the meaning of that certificate.

The North-West University (NWU) is protecting the sanctity of its degrees from the onslaught of artificial intelligence tools that hamper students’ ability to cultivate the skills necessary to critically judge and evaluate their prescribed work.

To facilitate and oversee the implementation of AI tools at the NWU, and to ensure that students are served rather than hindered by this technology, the University has established an AI steering committee with members from across the university.

“Our vision, in short, is that we want to embrace AI. We want to do it fully aware of all the risks involved and in an ethical way. We are keeping up with the latest developments in the field, and we want to encourage students and staff to use AI, but they need to be aware of the dangers, because there are many dangers. That is why we have systems in place – and we are constantly improving these systems – that protect our data and mitigate the risks of AI,” explains Prof Anné Verhoef, head of the steering committee and director of the NWU’s School of Philosophy.

Part of the NWU’s AI framework, which is already in place, are ethical and responsible guidelines for the use of AI, especially for students.

“Our guidelines are visible, they are being communicated and they are already being used for academic integrity in the teaching and learning side of the university. We also check that students are using AI ethically and responsibly,” he explains.

“In the long term, AI will definitely be a valuable research tool. It will make many tasks much easier, but it will also make it easier to cheat. So, unless we have the necessary assessment tools in place, we are going to end up with worthless degrees.”

Why? Because, when students overuse AI to complete their tasks and assessments, they are unable to effectively reflect on and interpret the work they have done. They won’t develop critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills. They will struggle to develop creativity and the ability to do independently research and evaluate information. AI is fast, so it does not allow students to develop time management skills, adaptability or the ability to navigate complex issues.

This means that they will enter the workforce with the necessary degree, but without the skills to succeed.

“This is not a problem that is unique to South Africa; it is a global problem. The NWU has, I think, one of the most positive approaches to finding answers about academic integrity and the ethical and responsible use of AI. We have an educative system, and we have already developed AI literacy courses for students. If they don’t use AI tools properly, we can teach them how to use them properly. We are constantly looking for further creative ideas and we are open to debate. We are not running away from the threats posed by AI. On the contrary. We are allowing different voices to participate in the process of figuring out how to go ahead, what works and what does not work. It is a dynamic atmosphere where we are willing to learn from each other. I am confident that we are steering AI in the right direction at this university,” concludes Prof Verhoef. 

There is nothing artificial about an NWU degree. It is more than a piece of paper; it is more than a testament to what you have done: It is a promise of what you are capable of doing.

Prof Anné Verhoef