The Robotics Society of Kenya has urged the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) to intervene in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by students to cheat in exams.
The lobby group on Wednesday revealed that some students were using AI models like Open AI and Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to fraudulently obtain examination answers.
AI, which provides modern technologies that students now use for cheating, has become a major concern among education stakeholders, particularly due to the skyrocketing number of students utilising these tools.
By using AI, students can generate and receive real-time answers. This happens when a question is detected by the chatbot, enabling it to provide a viable response.
According to the Robotics Society, the use of AI by students during examinations has compromised the credibility of the education system and encouraged laziness among students.
While expressing concern over the menace, the lobby group also disclosed that most exam invigilators lacked digital literacy skills to handle such cases.
“KNEC must address e-exam vulnerabilities: students can copy questions, and use AI models like OpenAI, or VPNs to cheat. Invigilators also lack digital literacy,” read part of a statement by the Robotics Society of Kenya.
To address the matter, the civil society group called on the Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to consider restricting access to AI tools by students.
The group further suggested that the Ministry of Education convene a national conference to discuss the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) policies on the responsible use of AI.
"We call on the Ministry of Education to organise a national conference on the UNESCO framework for AI guidance in schools and to integrate AI policy into the Kenyan education system," the lobby group stated.
The use of AI tools to commit exam irregularities marks a paradigm shift from the traditional use of written materials, commonly known as Mwakenya. In the past, students would conceal hidden notes and use them during examinations.
With the advent of artificial intelligence, students now use modern devices such as digital watches, smartphones, and even earpieces to facilitate exam cheating.
