Written Exams Resurface Amid Fears Over AI Impacts
Article:
Amid Rising Concerns over AI-Assisted Academic Dishonesty, Universities Revert to Handwritten Examinations
In response to concerns over academic dishonesty facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI) tools, colleges and universities in the United States are reinstating handwritten exams as part of their assessment methods. The shift away from digital coursework is aimed at promoting genuine critical thinking and individual expression among students.
According to recent surveys, a sizeable portion of college students have admitted to using AI tools to aid their coursework, with generative AI tools like ChatGPT posing a threat to the reliability of traditional essay submissions. Educators find that handwritten answers offer a more accurate reflection of a student's original thinking and the effort they have put into their work.
Public, private, and community colleges are adopting different strategies to address the issue of AI-assisted cheating. Some elite private institutions are experimenting with small class sizes and alternative assessment methods, such as case analysis and real-time writing demonstrations. In contrast, public universities and community colleges are leaning towards implementing handwritten exams in supervised settings, as they provide a more scalable solution.
Faculty members are updating honor codes and assignment instructions to address the ethical use of AI in coursework. Universities like Brown University and Williams College are incorporating discussions about AI ethics into seminar courses, striving to discourage misuse and promote responsible technology use.
Industry experts stress the need for a cultural shift, suggesting that merely eliminating technology from assessments is insufficient. Instead, educators should focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge to navigate both analog and digital spaces with integrity.
Many universities have already adjusted their academic policies to account for the increased use of AI. For example, the University of Michigan has added a clause requiring students to declare any AI-assisted work in their assignments. A growing number of institutions are also including AI-related guidance in their syllabi templates to ensure transparency and responsible use of AI.
Student reactions to the shift towards handwritten exams have been mixed. Some students appreciate the structure and fairness that these assessments offer, while others have expressed concerns about accessibility and the impact on students with learning disabilities. Institutions are addressing these concerns by offering reasonable accommodations for students on a case-by-case basis.
As the dialogue surrounding the role of AI in academia continues to evolve, schools are striving to strike a balance between technology and academic integrity. By promoting ethical technology use and ensuring a fair and equitable learning environment, educational institutions aim to prepare students for the digital future while preserving the authenticity of the educational experience.
Related Topics (Enrichment Data):
- The potential implications of the use of AI detection tools, including false accusations and bias.
- The impact of AI on teaching methods, with a focus on fostering skills like critical thinking and ethical AI use rather than content knowledge.
- The effects of AI implementation on student mental well-being and engagement, with effective management contributing to a more inclusive and ethical learning environment.
- The Wall Street Journal: Colleges Go Old School With Human Proctors and Paper Tests
- The Guardian: Schools Turn to Handwriting in Exams to Fight AI Cheating
- NPR: Handwritten Exams Make a Comeback to Curb AI Cheating
- Inside Higher Ed: AI Cheating Is Changing How Colleges Assign and Grade Essays
- Intelligent.com: Survey on Student Use of Generative AI, 2023
- International Center for Academic Integrity: Faculty Assessment Report, 2023
Artificial intelligence technology has become a significant concern for education and self-development, as generative AI tools like ChatGPT are increasingly being used by students to complete their coursework, potentially leading to academic dishonesty. To counteract this, universities are incorporating learning about AI ethics into seminar courses to encourage responsible technology use.
The shifts to handwritten exams in supervised settings by public universities and community colleges, as well as alternative assessment methods by some private institutions, aim to promote genuine critical thinking and individual expression among students, providing a more accurate reflection of their original thinking and effort.
