Debate surrounds the role of artificial intelligence (AI) among Quebec university professors, with opinions divided. While some educators advocate for its use in enhancing student work and research, others raise concerns about academic dishonesty and inaccurate citations. A survey reveals that over half of professors support regulated AI usage, while a minority outright prohibit it. The challenge lies in balancing AI’s benefits with maintaining academic integrity, as many faculty members navigate its presence in education.
The Divided Opinions on AI Among Quebec University Professors
The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a debate among university professors in Quebec. While some educators embrace AI for its potential to enhance the quality of student work, others express concerns that it may lead to academic dishonesty or the fabrication of sources.
Vincent Gautrais, a professor at the Université de Montréal (UdeM), highlights the benefits of AI, stating, “[AI] assists with spelling. It often provides a clear indication of whether a piece of work was produced by ChatGPT, as there tend to be fewer errors.” This sentiment is echoed by many educators.
The Balance Between Regulation and Acceptance
A recent survey conducted by QMI Agency, involving around fifty professors from various universities, revealed that 54% of respondents are open to allowing AI usage under regulated circumstances, recognizing its educational advantages. François Labelle, a professor from UQTR, notes, “AI can serve as a valuable initial resource for developing research topics, as well as an effective translation tool. It also aids in systematic literature reviews.”
Beyond its capabilities in correction and translation, the AI ChatGPT can conduct research and summarize content. Dany Baillargeon, a professor at the Université de Sherbrooke, points out that AI can assist in generating images for creative advertising courses. “It can be utilized to create mock-ups of concepts, fostering discussions around those ideas for improvement. However, I advise against using AI for generating initial concepts,” he states.
While many universities in Quebec have established guidelines regarding AI usage, the ultimate decision often lies with the educators themselves. Juan Torres, the assistant vice-rector for undergraduate studies at UdeM, notes, “We cannot simply promote or prohibit its use; it varies by discipline, and faculty members are best positioned to make that determination.” He further emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging the presence of AI in academic settings.
Interestingly, 33% of the professors surveyed accept AI out of a sense of resignation. “Banning AI would be unrealistic; students will use it regardless, and we cannot ignore its existence,” admits an anonymous professor from UQAM.
Gauthier Gidel, another UdeM professor, allows AI for specific assignments but insists on “complete transparency.” He asserts, “In more open-ended tasks, it is unrealistic to think that students won’t utilize such tools. Every word generated by AI should be italicized in the text to maintain integrity.”
Concerns Over Academic Integrity and AI
On the other end of the spectrum, 13% of professors outright prohibit the use of AI. UQAM professor Émilie Cloutier, who teaches future orthopedagogues and special education teachers, explains, “These students have an ethical obligation to their future pupils. Currently, ChatGPT lacks reliable knowledge in this field.”
Several educators have also flagged that AI can produce erroneous citations. Professor Frédéric Vairel from the University of Ottawa recounts a situation where a student received a failing grade due to incorrect references generated by ChatGPT. “The fabricated references constitute a violation of academic integrity,” he explains, underscoring the importance of accurate sourcing in academic work.