The education sector is grappling with the challenge of ensuring fair and valid assessment of students’ academic abilities in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). The widespread use of AI by students, particularly for generating written assignments, raises concerns about academic integrity and the development of essential skills.

The use of AI in education is gaining attention, with institutions recognizing the need to integrate it into the learning environment. The Danish Agency for Education and Quality (STUK) has issued recommendations for using generative AI in education, acknowledging its potential as a learning tool. However, these recommendations lack specific guidelines for addressing the challenges it presents.

The rapid advancement of AI technology makes it difficult for teachers to detect and document cheating, potentially undermining the assessment process. Term grades, which heavily influence students’ future educational opportunities, are based on assessments that include written work, making the use of AI for generating texts a significant issue. Students who rely on AI may not develop essential study skills, critical thinking abilities, and independent thought. This also disadvantages hardworking students who dedicate time and effort to their studies, as well as teachers who are unable to provide qualified feedback or accurately assess students’ abilities.

One approach is to shift the primary assessment space to the classroom, where teachers can observe students’ work with AI. Homework can then be refocused as a space for in-depth study and reflection, where students practice their writing skills and engage in discussions without necessarily being assessed. This approach aims to address the problem by restructuring teaching and assessment methods.

It is crucial to redefine learning and grading to ensure that the education system equips students with critical thinking and independent reasoning skills, rather than simply reproducing information. The education sector needs to find solutions within the existing framework to support teachers and students. Some schools are already exploring ways to integrate AI into the classroom while maintaining academic integrity.