The booming use of generative AI by students is leading to rising grade inflation at universities, according to a working paper published this week by the University of California, Berkeley. There are three ways generative AI can be used by students: augmentation, where the tools perform a supporting role assisting in things like research while the student completes the bulk of the work themselves; reinstatement of new AI-based tasks; or through displacement, where it completely automates the work that a student would otherwise perform themselves, such as writing an essay. All three use cases can improve grades, while only augmentation and reinstatement can further correlate with actual learning and skills building. Some academic tasks, like unsupervised take-home assignments, essays, and other homework, are perfect opportunities for AI displacement, as opposed to proctored exams, oral presentations, or in-class discussions.…