New Publication Explores Academic Integrity in the Era of Generative AI
Dr Patrick Buckland and Dr Marian Carcary of Mary Immaculate College, have published a new research paper in the Irish Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning examining how higher education can respond to the academic integrity challenges created by generative artificial intelligence.
The paper, entitled Navigating the AI-Education Nexus: Mitigating Academic Integrity Challenges in the Era of Generative AI, explores the rapidly evolving role of tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini in teaching, learning, and assessment. While generative AI offers significant opportunities to support education, the paper highlights the need for careful, responsible, and values-led approaches to its use, particularly in relation to student assessment and academic honesty.
Drawing on a systematic literature review, the study identifies five interconnected strategic themes that can help higher education institutions respond effectively to the challenges posed by AI. These include the development of clear policies and guidelines, AI education and training, attitudes towards generative AI, transparency and communication, and the redesign of assessment formats.
A key contribution of the paper is its holistic framework for supporting academic integrity in an AI-enabled educational environment. The authors argue that isolated responses by individual academics are unlikely to be sufficient. Instead, institutions need integrated strategies that combine AI literacy, ethical guidance, transparent communication, and thoughtful assessment design.
The publication is particularly timely given the growing influence of generative AI across education and the increasing need for educators and students to understand both its possibilities and its limitations. The paper emphasises that AI should not simply be viewed as a threat to assessment, but as a development that requires educators to rethink how learning, originality, and academic integrity are supported in practice.
The research also considers wider issues such as equity of access, the limitations of AI detection tools, data protection, and the importance of aligning institutional practice with emerging regulatory frameworks. In doing so, it provides practical guidance for educators, policymakers, and higher education leaders seeking to navigate the opportunities and risks of AI in education.
Reference: Buckland, P. & Carcary, M. (2026). Navigating the AI-Education Nexus: Mitigating Academic Integrity Challenges in the Era of Generative AI. Irish Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 9(1).
