Using ChatGPT to pass online courses: Lessons learned in higher ed

Jason Bock, R. Diane Schmallegger, Mike Mckay, Michelle Meadows and Shana Holzer
Additional contact information
Jason Bock: AMDA College of the Performing Arts, USA
R. Diane Schmallegger: Center for Online and Extended Learning, USA
Mike Mckay: Center for Online and Extended Learning, USA
Michelle Meadows: Tiffin University, USA
Shana Holzer: Seton Hill University, USA

Advances in Online Education: A Peer-Reviewed Journal, 2024, vol. 3, issue 1, 69-84

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if a student could complete a post-secondary online course with a passing grade by solely using the artificial intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT to complete all assignments. ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that allows individuals to engage in human-like conversations with a chatbot to answer questions and assist in writing tasks. Studies exist that indicate ChatGPT could be used to successfully complete various assignments in a controlled setting, but none show ChatGPT being used in a live environment for the entire body of coursework. To complete this study, five researchers posed as online undergraduate and graduate students using fictitious student accounts in online, asynchronous courses. Of the five, three were able to pass their course without being identified. Findings suggest that because of the ease of using ChatGPT to complete assignments, universities should focus on adapting assignments, assessments and policies to teach and encourage its ethical use.

Keywords: AI; ChatGPT; higher education; online learning; student success; academic integrity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A2 I2 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://hstalks.com/article/8727/download/ (application/pdf)
https://hstalks.com/article/8727/ (text/html)
Requires a paid subscription for full access.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aza:aoe000:y:2024:v:3:i:1:p:69-84

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Advances in Online Education: A Peer-Reviewed Journal from Henry Stewart Publications
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Henry Stewart Talks ().