Cheat with A.I. and you could be stripped of ALL your qualifications, exam bosses warn pupils

Pupils have been warned they risk being stripped of all their qualifications if they use artificial intelligence to cheat. The Scottish Qualifications Authority also warns teen­agers it deploys specialist software to detect cheating, including the illicit use of AI. ‘If an investigation finds you’ve broken any rules, there may be a penalty, which could include the following: your marks can be reduced, or you can be awarded zero marks; your qualification for that subject can be cancelled; all of your qualifications for the entire year can be cancelled.’ The latest development comes after Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth was last year accused of ‘passing the buck’ over AI when she said it was down to the SQA to issue guidance. ‘NASUWT has raised concerns about AI with the SQA and Scottish Government but has received little in the way of guidance for teachers in detecting and addressing the unsanctioned use of AI tools.’ The EIS union said AI presents challenges ‘particularly when teachers have less time than ever before due to increased workload and large class sizes’. ‘We will continue to ensure our policies keep pace with rapid advances in AI capability.’ A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: ‘We will continue to monitor this issue as it evolves and work with partners to respond as appropriate.’