The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) creates new challenges for conducting examinations in schools. The Education Directorate proposes several specific ones measures concerning spring exam in 2024 and serious changes in the examination system for subsequent years.
Nowadays, there are programs that allow you to use artificial intelligence (AI) in offline mode, i.e. without the need to log in to the Internet. Blocking the use of the Internet during the exam is no longer enough. Combined with increasingly sophisticated aids, this makes it increasingly difficult to ensure the security and integrity of the exam.
The development of artificial intelligence creates challenges and needs new solutions
The Directorate of Education (Udir) is working with district authorities and municipalities to find good solutions to prevent students from using artificial intelligence in written exams.
– The vast majority of students do not try to cheat on exams. However, we cannot rule out that some students will try to cheat using AI tools. Considering the vast majority of people who follow the rules, we are making a decision specific actionsto ensure a good, safe and fair exam as possible, says Morten Rosenkvist, director of the Directorate for Education.
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On Tuesday the 13th February The Educational Association, the Lecturers' Association, the Students' Association, the School Leaders' Association, the National Association of Schools and the SC gathered for a meeting in Udir. Here they received information about the assessments and recommendations issued by Udir. The parties also discussed how to continue cooperation to conduct the exam well.
Increased protection and control
Udir recommends increasing the number guarding in the examination rooms and strengthening their training, and random sampling before and during the exam.
Examiners' tasks have become more demanding in recent years as students must be assessed against more comprehensive criteria than before. The money has already been allocated to increase examiner fees this year.
Another challenge is the development of AI tools. Udir is investigating various tools that can assess whether artificial intelligence was used in an exam answer. Technology is developing rapidly and we will continue to work on this in the future. Students' legal security will be given a high priority in these evaluations.
Fewer aids are allowed
Students can use help for many exams. For example, online dictionaries on language topics, legal data, Statistics Norway and other approved websites. Aids are becoming more and more advanced, and with artificial intelligence tools, gaining good control over them has become a challenge.
The authorities have decided to reduce the number of permitted aids. This makes it easier to check whether students are not using websites other than those they are allowed to access.
Closed network and offline dictionaries
Udir is asking school owners to provide all schools with a tech solution, which means students will not be able to switch between a closed network of exams and an open network of schools.
Udir also asks municipal and district authorities to ensure that all schools installed Norwegian dictionaries on students' digital devices. We then provide students with access to the dictionary.
Technical improvements
Technical issues during the main subject exam on May 22, 2023 resulted in many students being unable to log in and take the exam.
Udir has worked closely with various system vendors to prevent similar issues this year. Extensive testing and refinements have been ongoing since last year's exam, and all secondary schools they must conduct a test examination to check the technical configuration and equipment.
Some exams will also provide paper copies of assignments as an additional security measure.
The need for serious changes from 2025
There are several measures relevant for 2025 and beyond. Udir will take a closer look at several measures, such as removing or changing the support program and the written exam preparation section, as well as looking at screen monitoring and secure exam network options.
Another possible solution is to take the exam on a school-owned computer rather than on your personal computer. The possibility of downloading unauthorized programs is then eliminated.
In the longer term, Udir recommends a broader review of the written exam. There are several reasons why it is worth considering now what type of final grade we will have in the future Norwegian schools. Technological development creates new challenges and necessitates changes. This is part of the work of the Quality Committee, whose report is currently available for consultation.
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Source: Udir, Photo: pixabay
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