CXC reaffirms stance on responsible use of AI in school-based assessments
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) says its approach to artificial intelligence (AI) in school-based assessments (SBAs) is grounded in fairness, human judgment, and confidence in the desire of regional learners to do well in demonstrating their knowledge and competence.
In a video address released on its website and social media channels on Monday, Dr Nicole Manning, CXC’s director of operations, spoke candidly about the opportunities and challenges that AI tools present for students’ academic work and SBAs, offering direct reassurance to students and educators navigating the digital landscape.
In addressing concerns about the reliability of AI detection tools in assessment, as provided for in the CXC Standards and Guidelines for the Use of AI in Assessments, Manning pointed out that AI detection software will not be used as the sole basis for decisions about a student’s work.
“The teacher-student relationship built over months of observation, drafts, conversations, and guidance remains central to how SBAs are moderated and assessed,” stated Dr Manning. “AI checkers are one input. They are not the verdict. There will be human interventions right through the process to ensure fairness,” she added.
CXC has been clear on the guidance for schools in the use of AI, which may be used to understand concepts, brainstorm ideas, explain difficult terms, or generate structural suggestions. Where AI has been used in any form, students must clearly cite their sources in the submitted SBA with a required disclosure form and originality report.
In cases where AI is not used, no disclosure form or originality report is required. Submitting work generated wholly or significantly by AI is deemed by CXC as academic dishonesty and is handled under established irregularities procedures in collaboration with the candidate, the teacher, and the school principal.
Manning acknowledged the weight of responsibility on the Caribbean’s teaching community, committing CXC’s support to teachers with resources and training to navigate the AI landscape with confidence and consistency.
“You are not alone in this,” she remarked. “Engage your students in honest conversations about how they use these AI tools. Guide them on what they can do, what they cannot, and why academic integrity matters beyond the examination room.”
To the students, Dr Manning encouraged them to make the right choices about their education. “Integrity is not about whether a machine can detect what you did. It is about who you choose to be.”
