Ofqual Warns of Exam Cheating Rise with Smartglasses and Earpieces

AI Summary

England's qualifications watchdog, Ofqual, warns that new wearable devices like smartglasses and invisible earpieces may worsen exam cheating in schools. The regulator is scrutinizing GCSEs and A-levels for potential AI use in coursework.

The Rise of Exam Cheating with Wearable Devices

Cheating in exams could be magnified by the new generation of wearable hi-tech devices such as smartglasses or invisible earpieces, according to England’s qualifications watchdog.

Ofqual's Concerns and Actions

Ian Bauckham, the head of the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), revealed that GCSEs and A-level courses in England were being scrutinised over potential AI use in students’ coursework, after teachers said they were struggling to detect it.

Ofqual recorded 2,225 cases of mobile phone and smart device cheating associated with GCSE, AS and A-levels last summer.
The regulator is considering stronger checks to guard against students using AI in coursework.

The Impact on Education

Bauckham warned that recent increases in cheating enabled by smartphones may be made worse by the next wave of wearable devices, undermining England’s school qualifications system.

“Our qualification system is a real national asset and we have to keep on top of this to stop this national asset being undermined, because that is not in anyone’s interests.”

Future Measures

Bauckham hinted that stronger checks were likely to be introduced, including:

More frequent checks with students about their work before signing off on it.
Increasing what is expected by way of referencing and sources.
Potentially dropping coursework altogether.