The University of the Free State (UFS) will stop using artificial intelligence (AI) detection software from July, saying the technology cannot reliably tell the difference between human and machine-written work, as universities grapple with the growing impact of AI on higher education.
The university announced this week that it would discontinue the use of AI detection tools, including Turnitin’s AI detector, across all faculties and academic activities. This move follows growing international concerns about the accuracy, consistency and fairness of such systems.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof Anthea Rhoda said academic integrity remained a priority for the institution but the university was changing the way it approached the issue.
“Academic integrity remains central to the university’s work,” said Rhoda.
“What is changing is our approach. Rather than relying primarily on technologies whose outcomes remain contested within the global context of higher education, we reaffirm the importance of academic judgment, transparent assessment practices and the responsible use of generative AI.”
As of July 1, Turnitin’s AI detection feature will no longer be available to university employees and students. However, Turnitin’s similarity checking tools will still be used to detect plagiarism and support the development of academic writing.
The conversation around AI in higher education cannot just be about detection. It should also focus on how we design meaningful learning experiences and assessments that encourage critical engagement, creativity, reflection and responsible knowledge production in an AI-enabled society.
— Prof Francois Strydom, UFS Center for Teaching and Learning
The decision is part of a broader shift toward what the university calls more authentic and developmental assessment methods. Academic staff are encouraged to use assessment approaches that place greater emphasis on critical thinking, originality and deeper engagement with the course material.
The university said this could include more reflective, oral, practical and developmental forms of assessment where appropriate.
Senior Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, Prof. Francois Strydom, wrapped up the debate AI in higher education must go beyond catching students using technology.
“The conversation around AI in higher education can’t just be about detection,” Strydom said. “It must also focus on how we design meaningful learning experiences and assessments that encourage critical engagement, creativity, reflection and responsible knowledge production in an AI-enabled society.”
Strydom said many universities around the world were increasingly recognizing that academic integrity cannot depend solely on automated systems.
“Assessment design, academic relationships and sound academic judgment remain critical to maintaining integrity. This shift allows us to return the focus to learning and development rather than relying on technologies whose limitations continue to be debated internationally,” he said.
Rhoda said universities were in a period of great generative change AI tools to quickly reshape education and learning.
“We are in a moment of important transition in higher education,” she said. “Our responsibility extends beyond monitoring the use of technology to helping students and staff develop the skills, ethical awareness and critical thinking needed to use AI responsibly in academic and professional contexts.”
The university said it would continue to provide guidance to staff and students on the ethical use of generative AI, with an emphasis on transparency, appropriate attribution and AI literacy.
Students also remain responsible for producing original work and using AI tools fairly and within institutional guidelines.
The university added that support structures for staff and students would be expanded during the transition. This includes assessment redesign support, professional development opportunities and AI-related learning modules through the Digital Skills and Competency Framework.
TimesLIVE
Gugulethu Mashinini
www.timeslive.co.za