Modifying Existing Assessments

In the age of GenAI, what do you do about assessments? Do you move them all on campus or have proctored online exams? Make robust online tests using our learning management system (possibly with the help of GenAI); or create assessments that include clear instructions on how students can use GenAI?

Many Assessments can be modified or easily adapted into alternate forms. Doing so allows you to possibly make the assessment more learner centered. Based, in part, on the work by Brown, Bull, and Pendelbery (1997), the table below outlines some alternative assessment ideas to consider in lieu of traditional ones. It also notes some optional GenAI-resistant assessment ideas for consideration as well.

Existing assessment	Alternate assessment	Optional GenAI Assignment
Essay	Article for a serious newspaper Article for professional magazine Article for popular newspaper Book review Paper to a committee Case for an interest group Popular book review Serious book review Script for a radio program Script for a TV program	Students use GenAI to gather background information on the topic and generate a short report of key facts, arguments, etc. Students write an essay using the information collected. Finally, students write a reflection on what they liked or disliked, what they agreed or disagreed with, and how they verified the information.
Experimental design	Marketing research bid Research bid Design of a survey Tender for a contract	The first assignment could incorporate AI use, for example: Ask AI to create a survey Evaluate and edit the survey Write a reflection on what they liked or disliked, what they agreed or disagreed with, and what they would do differently
Lab report	Instructional guide for beginner Popular account of experiment and its findings Brief seminar paper on experiment Group report of a set of linked experiments	Student reads experiment instructions generated by AI, and vetted by instructor for accuracy Compare step-by-step instructions to follow in experiment with those generated by AI Confirm calculations in AI Draft outline or sections of reports Summarize existing literature and reports related to experiment focus
Short answer questions	Set them on a theme which provides more information or complexity as they proceed through the set of questions	Students formulate prompts that solicit open-ended responses form AI which can then be elaborated upon using the AI-based suggestions for next steps
Problem solving	Real case Match ideal and possible Compare precise solution and estimate	For practice only (assessment for learning): Ask AI to create a case based on information that you provide Ask AI to provide feedback on your solution Evaluate and edit the survey
Project, dissertation or group project	For a real client or based in a work setting Then convert to a brief publication, illustrated presentation or exhibition	Find factual details relating to client to support focus of project Identify various presentation ideas for publication using content written by student