The Symmetrical Power of AI in Assessments

Large language models (LLMs) make it possible for faculty to rapidly create a wide range of formative and summative assessments for their students. And, as we hear about so often, students can also use LLMs to write their essays and complete other assignments. (Apparently, when faculty use AI to create assignments, it’s a “productivity gain.” But when students use AI to complete assignments, it’s “cheating.” But that’s a topic for another day.) Reflecting on several conversations I’ve been part of at the SUNY CIT conference this week led me to realize an important principle about the symmetry of AI in assessment. LLMs are equally powerful tools for both faculty and students. Speaking solely about what is technologically possible (and not what is ethically appropriate), we might summarize this principle by saying:

“If it’s possible for an instructor to make it with AI, it’s possible for a student to take it with AI.” For example:

  • Instructors can use AI to write discussion prompts, and students can use AI to respond to discussion prompts.
  • Instructors can use AI to write multiple choice questions, and students can use AI to answer multiple choice questions.
  • Instructors can use AI to write short answer questions, and students can use AI to write short answers.
  • Instructors can use AI to write essay assignments, and students can use AI to write essays.
  • Instructors can use AI to write presentation assignments, and students can use AI to create presentations.
  • Instructors can use AI to write portfolio assignments, and students can use AI to write reflections on the artifacts in their portfolio (which they may have also used AI to create).

This principle isn’t universal – some kinds of performance assessments come to mind – but generally speaking I think this symmetry is an important idea for everyone working in education to understand.

To be clear, I’m not arguing that faculty should use AI to create assessments, and I’m not arguing that students should use AI to complete assessments. I’m just pointing out a technological truth – just about any kind of assessment that can be created with an LLM can be completed with an LLM.