Transition From Chalkboards To Chatbots

A good education system requires students to receive personalised guidance, have access to limitless knowledge, and no longer have to wait an entire year for exam results. The primary objective of pursuing any educational course in a particular area is to enrich knowledge in that specific aspect. To validate whether the knowledge is applicable and whether the student has developed a strong command of the subject matter, substantial credentials are awarded following a thorough evaluation process through summative and formative assessments. Predominantly, summative assessments carry a significant portion of grades that determine if the student is eligible to advance to the next level. 

The so-called intellectual level of students is judged eventually categorising them on a spectrum ranging from "Extremely Talented" to "Extremely Dull," formulated as a Likert Scale based on societal practices followed for generations. The education system of Nepal has been in the limelight, though for infamous reasons, whether due to poor pedagogy, delays in results, plagiarism, politics, or undue influence. If we come across any youth who has recently appeared for a high school examination, their major future ambition is often to attend a university abroad. Upon delving deeper into their psychology, the major motivational factor driving this decision appears to be the quality of education and institutional rankings. 

Irony

Other underlying factors may include exposure to new countries, cultural exchange, improving living standards, and, occasionally, earning foreign currency—which is often illegitimate for students in most countries. However, these factors are rarely stated explicitly but can be observed implicitly. It goes without saying that most individuals would opt to accumulate material comforts that make life easier and more convenient, except for those with spiritual perspectives who hold different views on life.

The irony is that the universities students often aspire to or travel to for education, assuming them to be highly ranked, are frequently ranked much lower than universities within Nepal. Evidently, students enroll in institutions with significantly lower rankings in terms of pedagogy, academic prestige, research competence, and graduation rates. However, it remains true that students seek to complete their education on time and engage in employment opportunities that generate income, ultimately enhancing their lifestyle. Considering the possibility of implementing a proper assessment system with robust monitoring and evaluation, the education system of Nepal could reach international standards, retain students, and even attract foreign students through exchange programmes.

Despite the introduction of the Continuous Assessment System (CAS) in our policies in the late 1990s, educational institutions still follow traditional assessment methods. Summative assessments should continue to achieve the short-term goals set by the examination departments of institutions; nonetheless, formative assessments should be given greater priority. These assessments ensure that learning objectives are met weekly, monthly, or quarterly, and they play a crucial role in performance evaluation and taking corrective actions. Tools backed by Artificial Intelligence, such as chatbots with personalised prompt integration, can be used for school-level education. 

Meanwhile, higher education institutions can adopt plagiarism detection software to evaluate student assignments. Such a system not only enhances the research skills of students but also minimises the workload on examination departments. Although it may appear sophisticated, a cost-benefit analysis reveals that the expense and inefficiency of a traditional four-hour paper-pencil test far outweigh the benefits of an assignment-based system. Additionally, project-based assignments, including presentations and individual modules that foster communication, collaboration, and practical skills, can discourage rote learning while refining the 21st-century skills students need to exhibit.

Given that delays in results have been a major issue faced by students, the use of AI in assessment methods could substantially mitigate this problem. For instance, papers could be evaluated online with the support of plagiarism detection tools, and weekly grades could be provided, which can later be consolidated. This approach fosters writing, research, and critical analytical skills among students. A few foreign-affiliated colleges in Nepal have already implemented this practice with promising results. 

Another critical issue in assessment methods is the nominal remuneration provided to examiners, despite it being a high-risk task that can lead to allegations and, in some cases, suspensions due to power dynamics. There have been several instances where examiners are accused of minor inconveniences despite performing their duties honestly. Taking such high risks as part of their responsibilities is commendable; however, it has fostered a hesitant attitude among educators, leading them to refrain from examining papers. Generally, young educators do not perceive it as a rewarding task and instead delegate it to others. 

Evolving demands

Additionally, the lack of adequate storage space for examination paper remains a persistent issue, which could be resolved by adopting AI-driven assessment methods. Generative AI, virtual assistants, machine learning, and deep learning could be integrated to enhance the assessment systems in Nepal’s educational landscape. These advancements would not only address the concerns of students but also strive to maintain higher standards for educational institutions. The introduction of such technologies will foster a culture of monitoring, reviewing, and evaluation, which is crucial in the current context. 

Consistent risk assessment to ensure alignment with institutional goals should be prioritised. Ethics, values, and intellectual property must also be taken into account in these practices. In Nepal, the Patent, Design, and Trademark Act; the Copyright Act of 2059; and the Electronics Transactions Act of 2063 govern and safeguard AI and policy integration. However, these acts must be amended to meet evolving demands.

(The author is an alumnus of Harvard University Executive Education in AI and Policy.)