The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has significantly transformed higher education, raising questions about academic integrity and the value of college degrees. Traditional assessments risk obsolescence as students can easily generate essays and solve problems using AI, blurring the line between genuine academic effort and machine output. Consequently, educators face growing distrust in academic credentials, particularly as employers opt for skills-based assessments over diplomas. This erosion of trust threatens the symbolic value of a college degree amid increasing skepticism towards its relevance. While some institutions experiment with alternative assessment models like live feedback and collaborative projects, these solutions often struggle to scale. The rapid evolution of AI adds another layer of complexity, leaving institutions in a reactive stance. As colleges confront these challenges, the imperative for clear policies and new teaching models becomes crucial to restore academic integrity and credibility, or risk rendering degrees ineffective in preparing students for the workforce.
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