The Deputy Premier of New South Wales (NSW), Prue Car, has directed the state's education authority to impose a ban on unsupervised take-home assessments amid growing concerns about artificial intelligence's impact on student learning. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Car has asked the NSW Education Standards Authority (Nesa) to "urgently" examine artificial intelligence and move to protect student learning amid growing evidence that the technology is affecting students' cognitive development. This is particularly important as half of students' HSC (Higher School Certificate) results are based on school-based assessments, some of which are completed outside the classroom.
"Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to support teaching and learning, but it should never replace the thinking, creativity, and hard work that education is designed to develop," Car said.
"The purpose of schooling extends beyond producing an assessment task. It is to build knowledge, judgment, resilience, and critical thinking over time. If students rely on AI to bypass that learning process, we risk undermining both their education and the integrity of the HSC," she added.
Subject to Nesa's advice, any interim changes would be applied from the beginning of term 4. This measure aims to ensure students use AI appropriately and maintain academic integrity.
This initiative is part of a broader discussion about AI's impact on education. Many experts warn that while AI can enhance learning, its careless use could negatively affect students' skills.
Car's move has gained support from parents and teachers who fear AI could interfere with students' independent work. The new rules are designed to ensure fairness in HSC examinations.
Nesa is expected to provide a full report on AI's impact on the curriculum in the coming weeks. The decision on the temporary ban will be based on the findings of this report.
This change represents a significant step in NSW's education system and could serve as a model for other states. As AI technology evolves, so too must regulatory measures in education.