AI-Driven Assessment in Education: Shaping Policies for Responsible and Ethical Implementation

forthcoming

ASSAI fosters the organisational readiness and capacity of higher education (HE) policymakers, leaders and professionals in planning and regulating the use of GenAI. Interactions between individuals and GenAI are receiving extensive attention. ASSAI adds to this by recognizing that education policymakers and institutional leaders need to consider the systemic consequences of AI for education systems and institutions, as it transforms roles, activities, and interactions. ASSAI focuses on assessment because (a) the European AI act classifies the evaluation of learning outcomes as high risk, and (b) assessment is the fulcrum of education institutions pedagogic mission and their business models. ASSAI provides guidance to policymakers and other stakeholders to support them in thinking through the benefits, constraints, ethics, and systemic impact of AI systems. The project is structured into four broad phases, which provide the impact expected in the Work Programme. Firstly, “Preparatory studies”, involving a position paper on ethical principles and processes and a public report on current policy and legal requirements. Secondly, ‘Inquiries”, including a systematic review and into the use of GenAI in assessment in HE, and a study of systematic impact on institutions, and an on-going technology watch of the capabilities of AI. Thirdly, ‘Policy formulation’ involving collaboration with stakeholders on policy recommendations and initiatives for GenAI and assessment and for ethical application of GenAI. Fourthly, ‘Mainstreaming’, with the launch of two sustainable services: a web-based policy assistant and a policy implementation service. This work is supported throughout the project by policy engagement activities, and a program of communication and dissemination. Together, the outputs ASSAI will foster the organizational readiness and capacity of HE institutions to meet the challenges of GenAI, and ensure that its use is effective, inclusive, human-centred and ethical.