Academics and AI marking: a welcome aid for overworked staff or a sloppy shortcut?
News Source
β’Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:00:08 GMT
π° What Happened
Several Australian universities now let staff use AI to help mark student work. They include Western Sydney University, the University of Newcastle, Deakin, RMIT and the University of Adelaide.
Some rules say staff can use AI but must keep the final say on marks. Newcastle lets students opt out. Deakin says AI cannot set grades. Western Sydney says marks and feedback must always be decided by teaching staff.
Law lecturer Armin Alimardani calls the drift 'extremely concerning'. He says AI marking is mostly untested and warns it could damage trust in university degrees.
π The Backstory
Academics have long complained about heavy marking loads. Many say they are overworked and short of time. AI tools looked like a way to cut the pile.
But AI can make mistakes and repeat bias. It can also miss the point of a student's argument. Some experts want slow testing before any large roll-out.
Similar debates are running in Britain, where the exam regulator has warned about new technology in classrooms.
π― Why It Matters
If you are a student, an AI mistake could change your marks or your degree. This debate is about whether machines should judge your work or people.
Several Australian universities now let staff use AI to help mark student work. They include Western Sydney University, the University of Newcastle, Deakin, RMIT and the University of Adelaide.
Some rules say staff can use AI but must keep the final say on marks. Newcastle lets students opt out. Deakin says AI cannot set grades. Western Sydney says marks and feedback must always be decided by teaching staff.
Law lecturer Armin Alimardani calls the drift 'extremely concerning'. He says AI marking is mostly untested and warns it could damage trust in university degrees.
Academics have long complained about heavy marking loads. Many say they are overworked and short of time. AI tools looked like a way to cut the pile.
But AI can make mistakes and repeat bias. It can also miss the point of a student's argument. Some experts want slow testing before any large roll-out.
Similar debates are running in Britain, where the exam regulator has warned about new technology in classrooms.
If you are a student, an AI mistake could change your marks or your degree. This debate is about whether machines should judge your work or people.