The guide « Evaluating in the Age of AI: A Reflection Guide » was designed in accordance with the University of Sherbrooke’s statement on Artificial Intelligence. Its goal is to support university staff in a deep reflection on the use of AI while ensuring respect for academic and ethical values.
Taming or Fighting AI: Reflections on University Assessment in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming many fields, and higher education is no exception. More specifically, AI’s impact on assessment practices raises fundamental questions for instructors and academic staff. In the face of this new reality, a choice arises: should AI be fought like a menacing dragon, or should it be tamed as a cautious ally?
Fighting or Taming: Two Contrasting Approaches
Using the metaphor of the “AI dragon,” two attitudes emerge. The first is to fight or avoid AI by strengthening surveillance measures and limiting the use of AI tools in assessments. This approach aims to preserve academic integrity and prevent AI technologies from distorting learning and evaluation processes.
The second approach advocates for the cautious integration of AI. This means intelligently incorporating these technologies into assessment practices, recognizing their potential to enhance learning experiences and develop new skills. This path requires adapting assessment methods to encourage critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to work ethically with AI.
Reflections for a Responsible AI Integration
The guide offers several avenues for reflection on these two positions:
- Redefining evaluation criteria: How can expectations be adapted to assess skills that AI cannot replace, such as critical analysis or complex problem-solving?
- Transparency and ethics: How can AI use by students be framed ethically and transparently?
- Pedagogical innovation: What new forms of assessment can leverage AI’s capabilities to enrich the learning experience?
Whether you choose to fight or tame AI, this guide invites you to explore the challenges and rethink your assessment practices in light of ongoing technological transformations.
Lez, A., Dubé, E., & Beaulieu, M. (2023). Evaluating in the Age of AI: A Reflection Guide. Service de soutien à la formation, Université de Sherbrooke.
