Navigating AI Use: A Guide for Parents
Artificial intelligence (AI), which includes tools such as ChatGPT or Snapchat My AI, is capable of generating text, art, or music by learning from vast amounts of internet data. While these tools can be powerful, they also carry risks, including potential biases and a tendency to produce made-up information. For parents of GCSE and A level pupils, understanding the rules around AI use in assessments is essential to ensure that your child does not misuse AI and break the guidance issued by the Joint Council for Qualifications. This infographic clearly outlines what pupils should and should not do.
Inappropriate Use: Misuse and Cheating
The rules governing AI use are very clear in high-stakes settings: pupils are not allowed to use AI tools when they are taking an exam or producing any non examined assessment (NEA).
The most serious concern is AI misuse or malpractice. This is defined as taking content created using an AI tool and claiming it as the pupil’s own original work. Misusing AI is considered cheating. Any malpractice is reported to the relevant examination board who will issue their own sanction. If a pupil misuses AI, they risk losing marks for the assessment and could face disqualification from the subject. Therefore, pupils must be aware that claiming AI-generated work as their own is strictly prohibited.
Appropriate Use: Rules and Referencing
For non examined assessment (NEA) and other assessments, the rules surrounding AI use are determined by the specific qualification and your child's teachers. If a teacher permits the use of AI tools, pupils must remember that marks are awarded based on their own understanding and the work they produce, not for content simply generated by the AI.
If AI tools are allowed to be used, then clear referencing is essential. Pupils must name the AI tool used, record the date the content was generated, and explain precisely how they utilized it. To maintain evidence, they should also save a screenshot of the questions asked and the answers received.
Before submitting any assessment, pupils are required to sign a declaration for the examination board confirming that the work is entirely their own. If any AI tool has been used, pupils must ensure references are added before signing this declaration. The key points for pupils are to know the rules, talk to their teachers, and reference any use of AI clearly.