The University of Melbourne Applies New AI tools to combat cheating among students
Living with AI podcast--Episode 1
As AI tools like ChatGPT become more advanced, their use in academic settings has sparked significant debate. Melbourne University has responded by implementing AI detection tools in the last year. But how does this impact students? Today, we're diving into these questions with Peter, a tutor from Melbourne University.
Transcripts:
[The introduction music is a lively synth melody that creates a sleek, tech-focused vibe， followed by a softer, slower-tempo version of the background music.]
Hi everyone, This is Bianca, the host of Living with AI. Today, we invited a special guest, Peter Wu, to dive into the use of AI writing tools among Melbourne University students.
[Transition sounds let the audience know the conversation is getting started]
Host: Hi Peter, can u briefly introduce yourself?
Peter: Hey Bianca, thanks for having me. I’m Peter Wu, a fourth-year PhD candidate in Finance at the University of Melbourne. I’ve been tutoring at Uni since 2021 across various finance and economics subjects such as Principles of Finance and Economics of Financial Markets.
Host: Thanks for joining me today, Peter. Actually, I heard that since the University applied the AI detector tool in Turnitin to detect if the student used AI -generated content in their assignment, it triggered many controversies. So From your perspective, how has this tool impacted student behavior?
Peter: Thank you for that great question, Bianca. The tool has definitely caused some anxiety, especially for international students like those from China. They’re worried about getting flagged even if their work is completely original, which can add unnecessary stress. On the other side, it’s pushed some students to be more mindful of how they write and to improve their skills. The key is making sure the tool is used fairly and doesn’t create more problems than it solves.
Host: Yeah, I see. I think For our listeners who might not be familiar, can you explain how Turnitin's AI detection tool works?
Peter: Sure! Turnitin’s AI detection tool breaks content into smaller chunks and checks for patterns that are typical of AI-generated text—like repetitive phrases or language that feels overly formal. Each chunk gets a score based on how likely it is to be AI-generated, and Turnitin only flags something if it’s 98% sure. It tends to flag content that lacks complexity or originality, but it’s important for educators to double-check the flagged areas.
Host: I’m very curious about how reliable do you think Turnitin's AI detection is?
Peter: It’s pretty reliable when it comes to the most obvious cases, especially when the AI percentage reported is high—like 50% or more. In those cases, it’s usually quite clear that AI-generated text was involved. However, I’ve seen some unfair flagging, especially for non-native English speakers. Their more formal or repetitive writing can sometimes be mistaken for AI-generated content. So, while the tool is definitely useful, it’s important for teachers to really look at those flagged sections, especially when the percentage is lower, and not rely on it entirely.
Host: Yeah, actually, I think this tool is not 100% correct. Because some of my friends had been misidentified by Turnitin before. On the other hand, Beyond detecting plagiarism and giving your experience as a tutor, how do you think AI writing tools are influencing students' learning or cognitive development?
Peter: AI tools are useful for helping students get started with ideas or improving grammar, but there’s a downside if they rely on them too much. It can prevent students from developing their own critical thinking skills. So while these tools have their place, it’s important for students to find a balance and still engage in the hard work of writing and thinking on their own.
Host: Yeah, I totally agree with you. And if In the long run, what role do you see AI playing in higher education?
Peter: I think AI is going to play a bigger role in education for sure. It’ll be great for personalizing learning and automating boring tasks like grading. But we need to be careful that AI doesn’t replace actual learning—critical thinking and creativity still need to be developed. Used right, AI can enhance education, but it’s got to be handled thoughtfully.
[The ending music is a moderately paced background track with a conclusive feel.]
Thanks for ur sharing, Peter. It’s time to say goodbye. I hope this view of Peter will help more people know how AI technology is applied in universities. If u are interested in more content about the AI tech in our lives, please subscribe to our channel. See u next week.
1All music from 剪映. Used with an 剪映 copyright licence.
