Lithuanian universities are grappling with the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by students to write academic essays and exam papers. While the universities acknowledge the potential benefits of AI, they are concerned about its misuse and the ease with which students can cheat using these technologies.
Vilnius University’s Institute of International Relations and Political Science (VU TSPMI) emphasizes the importance of developing critical thinking and argumentative skills, which are acquired gradually through live discussions and essay writing. However, AI tools such as ChatGPT offer a tempting shortcut, making it increasingly difficult for students to resist using them.
Rather than banning the use of AI, universities in Lithuania are exploring ways to incorporate it into the study process meaningfully. VU TSPMI’s deputy director for studies, Lina Strupinskienė, explains that instead of an outright ban, they want to ensure that AI tools are integrated into the curriculum and support the students’ learning objectives.
The challenge faced by Kaunas University of Technology lies in disciplines where AI can perform complex calculations and even programming tasks. To address this, the university is considering reintroducing oral examinations and placing greater emphasis on students’ ability to explain their calculations and demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter.
Vilnius University and Klaipėda University have also experienced instances of AI misuse by students. At Vilnius University, the Faculty of Philology noticed AI-generated overviews of existing research, which are difficult to detect. On the other hand, the rector of Klaipėda University acknowledges that while AI-generated works have not been submitted yet, it is only a matter of time.
Universities collectively agree that the misuse of AI will not be tolerated and will be treated as academic dishonesty. Severe punishments, including expulsion, can be imposed on students found guilty of cheating.
Simona Pilkienė, vice-rector for studies at Vytautas Magnus University, reveals that in one study program, six out of ten students used ChatGPT, with some even quoting non-existent sources. This highlights the need for universities to be familiar with AI technologies to accurately identify instances of cheating.
While universities attempt to find ways to regulate the use of AI, they also acknowledge the educational value of these tools when used appropriately. The introduction of guidelines and mechanisms to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI in academic environments is crucial.
In conclusion, Lithuanian universities are navigating the complexities of incorporating AI into their educational systems. While recognizing the benefits AI can offer, they are determined to tackle the issue of cheating head-on, ensuring that AI use is meaningful and aligned with the learning objectives of their programs. By striking a balance, universities can harness the power of AI while maintaining academic integrity.
