Let's Dive into AI in High School Exams
Preparation Time Arrives for MaturitAi: Over 90% of Learners Employ Chatbots for Studies
Time to unveil the new reality as artificial intelligence (AI) is making its appearance in high school exams like never before. Approximately 90% of students, according to a Skuola.net study, have employed AI at least once since September. To break it down, 35% are frequent users, 34% use it occasionally, and 19% only in rare cases.
Legitimate (and Less Legitimate) Uses
Most usages are fairly reasonable. Leading the pack is employing AI for in-depth research, germinating ideas for school projects, and seeking tutoring to prepare for exams. However, there are a few who have utilized AI to complete assignments, solve problems, translate texts, write code, and even plagiarize during homework or tests.
It's worthy to note that more than 40% of the surveyed students have acknowledged using AI to breeze through assignments and tests in class without being caught.
Insights into AI's Legitimate Role
Personalized Tutoring: AI assists in reviewing material, clarifying concepts, and practicing exam-style questions.
Automated Grading: Teachers utilize AI to rapidly and consistently grade objective components of exams and provide students with immediate and constructive feedback.
Accessibility Boost: AI supports students with disabilities by offering text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and personalized learning accommodations for exam preparation.
Exam Prep Tools: AI generates practice questions, condenses key topics, and aids students in organizing study materials, helping them prepare more effectively for exams.
When AI Steps over the Line
Automated Exam Answers: Letting an AI generate full written answers or solve problems during exams is tantamount to cheating.
Plagiarism and Ghostwriting: Submitting work written predominantly or entirely by AI as one's own is dishonest, especially when a school's policies explicitly prohibit it.
Real-time Aid During Exams: Using AI chatbots or apps during closed-book, in-person exams to get answers is considered academic dishonesty.
Over-reliance Without Comprehension: Using AI to complete assignments without engaging with the material can hinder learning and personal development, ultimately negating the purpose of assessment.
A Glimpse into the Future
As AI plays a more significant role in examinations and assessments, educators need to adapt their teaching strategies, fostering critical thinking and creativity rather than rote memorization or formulaic writing. The challenge for schools is to distinguish between AI uses that bolster learning from those that circumvent the learning process, all while navigating rapidly evolving technological norms.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in high school education for legitimate purposes such as personalized tutoring, automated grading, accessibility boost, and exam prep tools, which aid students in learning and understanding complex concepts. However, misusing AI, like letting it generate full written answers during exams, plagiarizing work, or using it as a crutch for over-reliance without thorough comprehension, is considered academic dishonesty and should be avoided.
