Many schools in the United States are changing the way they test students because of generative artificial intelligence, or AI. These AI systems can quickly write essays and solve maths problems for people, so teachers cannot be sure that homework shows a student’s real skills. Some teachers, like Tristen Chang at a school in San Francisco, now ask students to speak about stories in class instead of writing essays at home.

The most important reason for this change is that AI tools make it very easy for students to get help online. Because of this, teachers worry that their students may not be learning on their own when doing homework. Instead, they are giving students more tests and discussions in the classroom, where teachers can see the students’ own ideas and work.

As a result, schools are starting to focus less on memorising information and more on how well students can explain their thinking. Teachers hope these new ways to test students will help them learn better and use technology wisely in the future.