The use of AI Chatbots in higher education: the problem of plagiarism

Abstract

Background: The use of ChatGPT in the learning process is becoming a common practice. Researchers identify opportunities to improve the learning process using AI tools. At the same time, there are many unresolved problems and threats from the use of ChatGPT. These include unreliable information, false information, lack of references to primary sources, lack of intellectual property protection, and especially the problem of plagiarism in academic texts. Objectives: The purpose of the study is to summarise the results of published research on the benefits and threats of using ChatGPT in higher education and to analyse the experience of using AI to write academic assignments by university students in compliance with the requirements of academic integrity. Methods: A survey was conducted among Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman (KNEU) students about their experience of using ChatGPT in performing academic tasks and the degree of satisfaction with this tool. Results: The survey involved 58 KNEU students. We have analysed how satisfied students are with using ChatGPT for different learning purposes. Students are most satisfied with using ChatGPT to quickly find information and translate texts. The majority of respondents said that ChatGPT does not always provide accurate and reliable information. Students also pointed to the problem of violating academic integrity when using ChatGPT to complete their assignments. Conclusions: The study shows the general advantages and disadvantages of using ChatGPT in higher education. Particular attention should be paid to the level of borrowing in academic texts prepared with the help of ChatGPT.