The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is taking a proactive approach to ensure the integrity of Australian higher education qualifications in the face of evolving artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
TEQSA will be issuing a request for information (RFI) in June 2024, seeking action plans from higher education providers on how they plan to address the challenges posed by generative AI (gen AI) in teaching, learning, and assessment practices.
Maintaining Quality of Qualifications
The rise of sophisticated gen AI tools has the potential to compromise the integrity of assessments and student learning. TEQSA emphasizes the importance of universities demonstrating that students possess the genuine skills and knowledge their qualifications represent.
Key Considerations for Higher Education Providers
The RFI will encourage institutions to develop institutional action plans that outline strategies to mitigate gen AI risks. These plans should be overseen by appropriate governance structures.
Supporting Institutions in Addressing the Challenge
TEQSA acknowledges the diverse nature of Australian higher education providers and recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be suitable. (PDF)
Collaboration for Shared Success
The information gathered through the RFI will be used to identify best practices and areas where the sector can collectively improve its response to gen AI. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that Australian higher education maintains its reputation for quality while harnessing the potential benefits of AI in education.
Alignment with Re-registration Processes
The RFI aligns with TEQSA’s existing focus on academic integrity during higher education provider re-registration processes. Institutions undergoing re-registration can submit their RFI action plans for consideration.
Addressing Resource Constraints
TEQSA recognizes that some institutions may face resource limitations in securing assessments against gen AI. The RFI process aims to encourage reflection and planning, acknowledging that implementation may occur over time.
