Tag: education reform

Leaving Cert changes won’t stand up to AI, says Colm O’Rourke

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In a modern secondary school classroom, a male teacher stands at the front, holding papers and gesturing towards a large interactive screen. The screen displays "LEAVING CERT CHANGES" with a big red 'X' over a document and the question "AI PROOF?", indicating concerns about the new exam structure's vulnerability to AI. Students in school uniforms are seated at desks, attentively listening. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
Concerns are mounting that recent changes to the Leaving Certificate examination system may not be robust enough to withstand the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. This image depicts a teacher discussing the new exam structure in a classroom, highlighting anxieties that the updated assessment methods might be susceptible to AI-driven academic dishonesty, compromising the integrity of the crucial final exams. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

BreakingNews.ie

Summary

Former school principal and columnist Colm O’Rourke has criticised Ireland’s revised Leaving Certificate curriculum, warning that new assessment methods are ill-equipped to withstand the influence of generative AI. The updated curriculum, which allocates 40 % of marks to classroom-based work, was designed to promote continuous assessment but, according to O’Rourke, is now “too easy to cheat.” He argues that the reforms—developed years ago—have already been overtaken by technological change. O’Rourke calls for more in-person, practical, and oral-style assessments to ensure authenticity and to distinguish between genuine learning and AI-assisted shortcuts.

Key Points

  • The new Leaving Cert curriculum allocates 40 % of marks to class-based assessments.
  • O’Rourke warns these assessments are highly vulnerable to AI-assisted cheating.
  • He advocates for oral, practical, and supervised assessment formats instead.
  • The reforms were designed a decade ago and are now outdated by AI’s rapid rise.
  • He argues that genuine knowledge acquisition cannot be replicated by AI tools.

Keywords

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URL

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/leaving-cert-changes-wont-stand-up-to-ai-says-colm-orourke-1816115.html

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5

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As AI tools reshape education, schools struggle with how to draw the line on cheating

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A group of educators and administrators in business attire are seated around a modern conference table, intensely focused on laptops. A glowing red line, fluctuating like a waveform, runs down the center of the table, separating 'AUTHORIZED AI USE' from 'ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT'. A large holographic screen above displays the headline 'As AI tools reshape education, schools struggle with how to how to draw the line on cheeting'. The scene visualizes the challenge of defining ethical boundaries for AI in academia. Generated by Nano Banana.
As AI tools become ubiquitous in education, schools are grappling with the complex and often ambiguous task of defining the line between legitimate AI assistance and academic misconduct. This image captures the intensity of discussions among educators striving to establish clear policies and maintain academic integrity in an evolving technological landscape. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

ABC News

Summary

AI is now so widespread among students that traditional assessments (take‑home essays, homework) are often considered invitations to ‘cheat.’ Teachers are responding by shifting to in‑class writing, using lockdown browsers, blocking device access, redesigning assignments, and clarifying AI policies. But confusion remains: students don’t always have clarity on what’s allowed, and teaching methods lag behind the technology. There’s growing consensus that blanket bans are not enough — what matters more is teaching students how to use AI responsibly, with transparent guidelines that protect academic integrity without stifling learning.

Key Points

  • High prevalence of student use of AI is challenging existing norms around homework & take‑home essays.
  • Teachers increasingly require in‑class work, verbal assessments, or technology controls (lockdown browser).
  • Students often unsure where the line is: what counts as cheating isn’t always clear.
  • Institutions & faculty are drafting clearer policies and guidelines; bans alone are unviable.
  • Equity issues emerge: AI access/use varies, raising fairness concerns.

Keywords

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URL

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/ai-tools-reshape-education-schools-struggle-draw-line-125501970

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5

GenAI News