Danish students must now orally defend assignments to counter AI cheating

Danish secondary school students will now be required to defend their written assignments orally, a new measure implemented to combat the increasing use of artificial intelligence for cheating. The Danish Ministry of Education is introducing this requirement as part of a broader strategy to uphold academic integrity.

Minister of Education Magnus Heunicke stated, "Unfortunately, we are struggling with a problem of cheating using AI, and action is now needed." He explained that the oral defense aims to deter students from relying on AI tools to complete their major written assignments, known as the 'større skriftlige opgave' (SSO).

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Unfortunately, we are struggling with a problem of cheating using AI, and action is now needed.

This oral defense is one of three key measures being rolled out. Students will also face an increase in assignments that must be completed within the school premises. Additionally, computer screens used during schoolwork will be more closely monitored using software designed to track student activity.

Heunicke stressed that this package is just the beginning, with further initiatives planned. The government also intends to develop a comprehensive national strategy for the integration and use of artificial intelligence across the entire school and education sector. The minister acknowledged that AI has increasingly challenged the educational and examination landscape in higher secondary education in recent years.

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Also, the government will develop a comprehensive national strategy for the use of artificial intelligence in the entire school and education sector.