The teaching profession is concerned that Artificial Intelligence could undermine the integrity of the Leaving Certificate, the Teachers Union of Ireland has warned. 

Course work has been a part of the Leaving Cert curriculum in certain subjects for several years; for example, history students submit research projects that make up 20% of their final grade. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Michael Gillespie from the Teachers Union of Ireland revealed there are “genuine concerns” among his colleagues about how they can authenticate the work handed into them. 

“Let’s say Artificial Intelligence is available to do some of this new project work or the research work,” he said.

“Suddenly, everybody may or may not have access to the same quality of AI. 

“Therefore, the grading system for that 40% could mean that most students will be getting the same range of marks. 

“Teachers are expected to authenticate that it’s not done by AI - we think that’s going to be very difficult.” 

Less emphasis on exams

From September, all pupils who begin senior cycle will submit a research project in each subject they study. 

Mr Gillespie described reform to the Leaving Cert as “quite complex” and is concerned by the pace of change. 

“What we’re against is the new, accelerated nature of it,” he said. 

“We had already agreed to a longer rollout; there have been new issues that have now come in - AI included.” 

Irish exam hall. Credit: AG News/Alamy Live News

He added that Irish schoolchildren consistently receive a high quality education, despite lower levels of funding compared to their European colleagues. 

“Teachers have done this redevelopment already with additional components of assessment,” he said. 

“We have the biggest class sizes in Europe, the lowest investment and yet, teachers consistently deliver in the top rankings of PISA.

“Teachers are worried about their students.” 

The Department of Education has been contacted for comment.

Main image: A teenager studying. Picture by: Alamy.com