AI grading spreads — and sparks fear
Lecturers at four Singapore universities are now using AI to grade student work reported, while NTU launched eight new professional AI programs — signaling rapid adoption of AI in assessment and training. At the same time, professors warn that generative tools are eroding critical thinking, creating a sharp institutional tension between efficiency and academic integrity.
NTU, SUTD, NUS and the Singapore Institute of Technology have authorised the use of AI tools for grading work that contributes to final scores. straitstimes.com The grading platform most cited in the report is Gradescope, whose AI‑assisted “Answer Groups” uses OCR to cluster similar handwritten responses so instructors can apply one rubric to many scripts at once. guides.gradescope.com NTU’s eight new professional AI programmes were announced as 2026 offerings under the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme, run three to six months and list tracks such as AI engineering and AI‑powered user‑experience design for mid‑career reskilling. ntu.edu.sg NTU drew scrutiny last year after three students were given zero marks for an essay in June 2025 when investigators found fabricated or broken citations attributed to generative AI use. straitstimes.com Faculty sentiment is strongly negative: a November‑to‑January survey found about nine in ten professors say generative AI will diminish students’ critical‑thinking skills, and College Board polling reported roughly 84% of faculty worry AI reduces originality and deep engagement. insidehighered.com Across Singapore higher education, calls to redesign assessments are growing — The Straits Times recorded faculty urging “more creative forms of assessment,” and NTU has published guidance on designing AI‑aware assessments that assess process and ethics as well as outputs. straitstimes.com
