The meeting brought interesting reflections on the nature of student theses in the era of artificial intelligence. Here are the main conclusions and thoughts that emerged from the seminar.
To learn more from the seminar, check out the detailed Minutes of the Seminar.
While approximately 10% of students use AI in writing their qualification theses, this trend is likely to increase. Faculties are responding in various ways - from slight changes to the traditional format to new forms of qualification theses in the form of portfolios.
Let's avoid automatically labeling the use of AI as cheating. "It is dangerous to automatically view students as cheaters. Most will want to use generative AI ethically," was mentioned at the meeting. The reliance on AI detectors is particularly problematic, as they often incorrectly label texts by non-native speakers or students with special needs.
Strengthening Consultations
Group consultations represent an effective solution for guiding the process of writing theses. This format not only saves time for educators but also allows for continuous monitoring of how the work is being created and how students are progressing. It also creates a valuable space for open discussion about methods of using artificial intelligence, where students can clarify ethical boundaries and correct procedures directly with the supervisor and among themselves.
Innovations in Thesis Formats
Innovative approaches to the format of qualification theses could bring several interesting alternatives to the classic academic text. For example, instead of a traditional thesis, students could present a portfolio of their outputs, engage in practical projects carried out in collaboration with companies, or produce professional articles or case studies. All these formats could also be enriched with reflective elements that enhance the originality of the work and allow students to better demonstrate their actual competencies and educational growth.
Transparency in the Use of AI
A transparent approach to the use of artificial intelligence in the creation of qualification theses should be key. Students should clearly declare in the methodological part of their work where and how they used AI, for which special forms detailing the method of use can be used. This open approach would not only ensure academic integrity but also represents important protection for the student themselves in the future, where they can demonstrate an ethical approach to using modern technologies in their work.
Changes in Evaluation
Significant changes are emerging in the evaluation of qualification theses, with an emphasis on a more comprehensive assessment of the student's work. An important aspect could be strengthening the importance of the thesis defense, which can significantly influence the overall evaluation even in the case of excellent thesis pre-assessment.
An inspiring example is the introduction of a colloquium at FTVS, where the supervisor continuously evaluates the entire process of creating the work, including the student's cooperation and task fulfillment, with the possibility of not leting the student proceed to the thesis defense. To ensure the objectivity of the evaluation, the creation of an evaluation matrix is being considered, which would clearly define the criteria for assessing individual aspects of the work during the defense.
When implementing new approaches to qualification theses in the context of AI, it is important to proceed systematically and with regard to the specifics of each field. It is recommended to start with the gradual introduction of (e.g., group) consultations and simultaneously create clear and comprehensible rules for the use of artificial intelligence. The form of the work should always be adapted to the profile of the graduate of the given field. It is also possible to dedicate seminars to discussing the ethical use of AI so that students understand the possibilities and limits of this technology well.
https://www.prf.cuni.cz/doporuceni-pro-vyuzivani-ai Recommendation for the Use of AI from the Faculty of Law
Declaration of AI aids and tools Declaration of AI Aids and Tools from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Doporučení od ČVUT Recommendations from Czech Technical University (CTU) including the "suitability of use" for individual categories
Students’ perceptions of ‘AI-giarism’: investigating changes in understandings of academic misconduct
https://ai.cuni.cz/AI-1.html - AI at Charles University
