Don’t ban GenAI_teach students to question it -

# Don’t ban GenAI: teach students to question it **Author:** Mert Can Atar **Published:** 25 September 2026 **Length:** 4 mins (823 words) ## In Summary Mert Can Atar argues that universities should teach students to scrutinise generative AI outputs rather than frame their use simply as permitted or prohibited. He proposes a seminar exercise in which students examine persuasive AI-generated answers, verify claims and sources, identify assumptions and omissions, then rewrite the response with a short change log explaining their decisions. The activity makes critical judgement visible, distinguishes credibility from reliability and treats disagreement and uncertainty as essential to learning. **Source:** [https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/dont-ban-genai-teach-students-question-it](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/dont-ban-genai-teach-students-question-it) ## What might this mean for us? Could Higher Education assess how students question and revise AI outputs rather than focus primarily on detecting their use? This exercise aligns with our emphasis on collective dialogue and disciplinary judgement. It could offer teaching teams a practical way to make reasoning visible, while raising questions about source selection, equitable access and what counts as credible evidence across creative disciplines. ## Links in this reading - [Bringing GenAI into the university classroom, THE Campus](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/bringing-genai-university-classroom) - [UNESCO AI competency framework for students](https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ai-competency-framework-students) - [Boosting AI literacy across your institution, THE Campus](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/boosting-ai-literacy-across-your-institution) - [Assessment reform for the age of artificial intelligence, TEQSA](https://www.teqsa.gov.au/guides-resources/resources/corporate-publications/assessment-reform-age-artificial-intelligence) - [Student perceptions of AI 2025, Jisc](https://www.jisc.ac.uk/reports/student-perceptions-of-ai-2025)