We have been taking a closer look at the issue of shadow AI use amongst providers. This is the unauthorised use of AI tools within an organisation, which presents significant data protection, quality and governance risks. Following the announcement of ChatGPT’s Study Mode, it’s important to also consider AI use – and misuse – in learners. There are less organisational risks with learners using AI tools to support their apprenticeship. However, it’s important that learner use is monitored closely to prevent plagiarism. It will also ensure that they are being employed to support their personal development.
AI-proofing your processes
One of the risks of extensive AI use from learners is that it can mask gaps in knowledge or understanding that will cause issues during the EPA. Without this context, tutors are unable to personalise the learner journey and offer relevant support. As part of their onboarding, learners should undertake initial cognitive screening. This can highlight any areas where they may need additional support. The challenge is that this should be a form of screening that cannot be completed by AI tools.
Aptem Assess is available as part of the Aptem Apprentice end-to-end solution and as a standalone tool. It allows training providers, FE and HE institutions to identify any cognitive needs that the learner may have. Learners engage in eight interactive games designed to assess the key cognitive processes that underpin learning and assessment performance:
- Processing speed
- Verbal reasoning
- Digital memory span
- Spatial and visual reasoning
- Word recognition
- Arithmetic
- Short-term memory
- Executive functioning
The test is time-limited, leaving no time for learners to check their answers. It gives a clear picture of their cognitive needs.
Should using AI be banned in education?
It is not as simple as implementing a policy for learners, because many will still take the risk by using AI to complete their work. As the growth of shadow AI use shows, people can easily circumvent the rules. Rather than banning AI, it is more productive to support learners in the professional, transparent use of the tools available to them in a professional context.
For example, within the Aptem Enhance suite of AI tools, a virtual assistant for learners can provide support by expanding on key concepts and helping learners with functional skills. Learners can request guidance on completing assignments and putting real-world experiences into the context of their apprenticeship standard. The tutor can see a full transcript of the conversations that the learner has with the virtual assistant, which prevents cheating and plagiarism. This audit trail means that a tutor can see whether the learner has understood and correctly applied the information. They can also identify whether the learner has simply copy-pasted an answer.
The virtual assistant audit trail will be further supported by an upcoming feature in the Enhance roadmap, a plagiarism checker embedded into our AI-powered marking aid. This new capability will allow tutors to identify potential instances of copied or wholly AI-generated content in learner submissions quickly and easily. It ensures a fairer, more consistent approach to academic integrity without adding extra manual effort. The checker will scan learner submissions against a range of sources and surface results directly within the marking aid workflow, maintaining the audit trail for full transparency.
Embracing using AI in education
The reality is that AI is here to stay. In many industries and contexts, it is an integral part of the modern workplace. There is value in preventing using AI in some areas of education. For example, a cognitive assessment that cannot be completed with AI support is important to identify what support the learner needs to make meaningful progression. In other areas, the transparent and professional use of AI is a valuable resource. It can be considered another employable skill that learners have gained during their apprenticeship.
