Schools are also grappling with the rise of generative AI and how to detect whether a student’s work is authentic.
The distance-learning student, who wished to remain anonymous, said he opted for distance learning as it gave him a good balance of juggling full-time work and study.
“As my hours vary every week, I tend to study, do exams or quizzes in the middle of the night as it is the only time I have to complete my work to a high standard.
“I was shocked when I got an email saying at least one of my exams would require me to attend in person. I would have opted for a different paper if I were aware of this during my course selection period last year.”
He said he could not withdraw from the papers that have in-person exams, as the announcement came four days after the date students were allowed to withdraw without financial penalty.
“What makes it more annoying is that, as a distance student, I am also not entitled to certain benefits, such as discounted public transport, for example, but I am now expected to travel in.
“Decisions like this will make me consider my studying future with the university.”
A Massey University spokesperson said a range of factors had led to the decision to resume in-person exams.
The move was to “ensure assessments are completed under consistent, invigilated conditions that demonstrate each student’s individual learning, supports academic integrity and provides a fair and level assessment environment for all learners”.
Massey University is moving back to in-person exams. Photo / Supplied
When asked if the move was in response to the rise in generative AI, the spokesperson said it influenced the decision.
Disability at Massey, a group that advocates for those with disabilities, posted online last month that it was disappointed the decision was made without consulting disabled and distance learners.
The university spokesperson said “alternative examination arrangements” would continue to be offered to students with disabilities, injuries, impairments or other specific exam needs.
They also added that the university’s senior leadership team consulted with staff and students last year.
“We recognise that some groups would have preferred to be more closely involved in the process, and we are committed to ongoing engagement with Disability Services and our student community as we implement this process.”
Among the more than 60 exam venues set up across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, there are 21 locations nationwide from Auckland to Invercargill.
A further 37 sites are spread across Australia, with six additional overseas venues in places such as Fiji, Tonga and Hong Kong.
Last year, the Victoria University law school made students return to in-person exams just four weeks before examinations were due to begin.
Bryony James, Provost Professor at Victoria University, confirmed the decision was based on concerns about students using AI for cheating.
She said two of the law school’s courses – LAWS 312: Equity, Trusts and Succession and LAWS 334: Ethics and the Law – included externally regulated exams that must be held in person and invigilated.
“The fast rise of AI, especially tools that are embedded in computers, means it has become increasingly difficult to invigilate exams on laptops,” James said.
An Auckland University spokesperson said some of its exams also required traditional pen and paper formats.
They said it also administered exams digitally with in-person overseers, through lockdown browsers and by accessing the students’ screens remotely.
“We regularly rethink assessment design, taking into account emerging technologies and AI, to ensure confidence in the authenticity of a student’s work and to be sure our standards are rigorously upheld.”
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