AI has exposed age-old problems with university coursework | AI (artificial intelligence)

The concern among academics about AI’s impact on critical thinking is valid but risks overlooking long-standing issues in academic assessment.
Outsourcing thinking, such as using essay mills or shared papers, predates AI and indicates a deeper issue in how assignments are crafted and evaluated.
AI merely exacerbates existing problems by providing tools that allow for convincing writing without the underpinning thought.
The focus on traditional essay-based assessments may misrepresent true intellectual engagement, as they can be easily replicated without actual thinking.
Instead of idealizing a pre-AI era, universities should refocus assessment to measure deeper skills like reflection, interpretation, and intellectual effort.
The challenge lies in redesigning learning and assessment practices to prioritize understanding and analytical skills over merely producing a polished piece of writing.