Blessing and a curse

The popularity of AI-assisted academic writing has triggered a series of debates among experts, particularly college teachers. Currently, several Chinese higher education institutions have made their own stipulations (规定) regarding the matter. But people are still unable to agree on whether using AI-assisted writing is a novel research method or an act of academic dishonesty.

Some experts consider AI writing as just another handy tool brought by the advancement of technology. Yang Zhiping, a professor at Northeast Normal University, summarized his experience using AI writing, saying that conversations with an AI model fed with enough material helped him clarify his research approaches.

“It’s like exchanging views with an expert who is extremely knowledgeable,” said Yang. “The collision of thoughts can be helpful in developing new academic ideas.”

However, some college teachers argue that the convenience of AI-assisted writing can cause students to become dependent on it when conducting academic research, which will lead to the deterioration of the academic atmosphere.

On this matter, Fu Weidong, a professor at Central China Normal University, said that any AI-generated thesis should be reviewed in accordance with existing academic standards as well.

According to Fu, AI writing is a technology based on collecting and processing existing knowledge, and therefore can’t avoid repeating the thoughts or even exact texts from existing academic works.

“Once the repetition exceeds the allowed level, it should be considered plagiarism (抄袭),” Fu said.

Learning that you want to know AI-assisted academic writing in Chinese university,

Yours,

Li Hua

Your ship is wrecked, and you and two other people survive on a life raft, drifting in the middle of the ocean. No food, no water, no hope of rescue. If one of them is eaten, there is a chance that the other two will survive. Otherwise, all three will starve to death.