Victoria Law Students Required to Handwrite Exams Amid AI Concerns
Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) has announced that law students sitting exams for two subjects next month must handwrite their papers. This decision aims to prevent the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools during assessments, ensuring the authenticity of students' work.
A law student expressed frustration, stating that the announcement left students unprepared and highlighted the absence of a finalized exam timetable. The affected subjects are LAWS 312 (Equity) and LAWS 334 (Ethics).
Concerns Over AI Use in Exams
Dean of Law, Professor Geoff McLay, explained his growing concern about the integration of AI in students’ laptops. He noted the difficulty in verifying that exam submissions are the students' own work when AI tools can be used undetected.
McLay had hoped a technical solution would be available to allow laptops during exams, but this seems unlikely before the end of the year. Consequently, students must prepare for handwritten exams, with exceptions made for students with disabilities who require keyboards.
Student and Faculty Responses
The Victoria University of Wellington Law Students' Society (VUWLSS) acknowledged the necessity of ensuring exam integrity, especially given the sophistication of AI tools. They pointed out that traditional in-person invigilation was previously sufficient but no longer fully effective.
VUWLSS representatives emphasized that students generally prefer typed exams, reflecting their future professional environments. They underscored the importance of early communication about exam formats, clear accessibility options, and adjustments to exam length or content to accommodate students less accustomed to extended handwriting.
The delay in the exam timetable is attributed to short-staffing and is separate from the decision on exam format.
University's Commitment to Fairness
VUW Provost Professor Bryony James stated that handwritten exams provide confidence that results reflect genuine student knowledge and effort without AI interference. She assured that no student would be disadvantaged and highlighted the university's commitment to support students, including those with disabilities.
The Faculty of Law will review this trimester’s exam results compared to previous years to confirm that the handwritten format has not negatively affected student performance.
Students' Association Reacts
The President of VUW's Students' Association, Liban Ali, indicated that the possibility of banning laptops in exams had been anticipated since last year. However, he acknowledged the timing of the announcement was challenging for students.
The Students' Association is actively engaging with the Law Society and faculty to support students during this transition. Ali also committed to advocating for improved communication about such changes in the future.
Implications for Legal Education and Assessment
This move highlights the challenges educational institutions face in maintaining academic integrity amid advancing AI technologies. For legal professionals and educators, it underscores the need to adapt assessment strategies to ensure fair evaluation while considering the evolving role of technology.
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