Report Urges Review of Year 12 Assignments Over AI Use

A report by education research consultancy Learning First states that artificial intelligence tools are being used by students to complete assessments and that this practice poses risks to learning and to the credibility of qualifications such as the HSC.

The report draws on NSW Education Standards Authority survey data from 3400 teachers and 750 school leaders across public, private and Catholic schools. About 75 per cent of teachers said students used AI to complete assessments even though more than 80 per cent of schools restricted such use.

The report says the most pressing issue is year 12 assignments completed without supervision. It states that when students can access AI tools during internal assessment, the accuracy of the resulting information is brought into doubt. It calls for system leaders to review senior secondary assessment methods and to evaluate how susceptible those methods are to AI.

The report adds that when assessment at this stage is compromised, the entire education system loses credibility.

About half the teachers surveyed said they did not know how to stop students from using AI. The report notes that concerns were strongest among secondary teachers but says primary teachers should also prepare for emerging risks. NESA will use the report to develop advice for schools.

Its chief executive said the organisation has adjusted the All My Own Work program to address cheating rules and continues to discuss AI impacts with academic experts. Independent Schools NSW chief executive said many schools have moved from detection toward establishing guidelines and supporting ethical use of AI.

The report lists eight considerations for reform, including resisting unchecked spread of educational technology in schools.