Universities in the United States are witnessing a surprising resurgence of the humble blue book—an exam staple of a bygone era—in a bid to counteract a mounting epidemic of AI-assisted cheating. As artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGPT proliferate in academic settings, educators report that traditional in-class writing by hand is making a comeback, raising urgent questions about academic integrity and the future of assessment both in America and abroad, including Thailand.
The blue book, once a rite of passage for university students to demonstrate deep knowledge through handwritten essays, is experiencing a renaissance after years of decline. According to recent data cited by the Wall Street Journal, large public universities such as Texas A&M University and the University of Florida have reported blue book sales rising by over 30% and nearly 50% respectively during the most recent academic year. The University of California, Berkeley saw an even steeper increase at 80% over the past two years. This surge, directly correlated with the rise of accessible AI tools like ChatGPT, signals a drastic shift in teaching and testing practices meant to curb digital dishonesty (Gizmodo).
For context, AI tools have rapidly improved in the ability to generate essays, answer exam questions, and even mimic individual student writing styles convincingly. This technological leap has attracted a wave of students seeking shortcuts, with some educators describing AI as “wrecking” the traditional educational model and fueling what some fear is an anti-intellectual tide.
In response, universities are reviving analog solutions: handwritten in-class essays. Sales of blue books—those once-maligned blue-covered exam booklets—have soared, benefiting manufacturers like Roaring Spring Paper Products, a major supplier for American colleges. While the shift is seen as a practical hedge against AI misuse, academics caution that it’s far from an all-encompassing solution.
Dr. Philip D. Bunn, an assistant professor at Covenant College, highlights a central dilemma in a recent blog post. He underscores that while blue book exams ensure authentic student work, they also constrain the richer, more thoughtful writing and research possible outside narrow exam windows. “The process of writing a paper outside of class cannot simply be replicated in a blue book exam, and something serious is lost if we give up entirely on the traditional essay, whether those essays are more analytic, argumentative, or research-based,” he warns (Gizmodo).
The implications for Thai education are significant. Higher education institutions in Thailand have already begun integrating digital tools for both teaching and assessment, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to remote learning. However, there are rising concerns regarding the unchecked use of generative AI among students, mirroring trends seen in the US (Bangkok Post), and questions abound about how assessments can remain fair and reliable. Thai universities traditionally value in-depth, take-home essays for evaluating student thought processes, similar to American institutions prior to the AI boom. The US experience suggests that without robust safeguards, these cherished assignments may become vulnerable to AI manipulation.
A key difference in the Thai context is the emphasis on rote memorization in national examinations, especially at the secondary level, and a slower adoption of essay-based assessment in high-stakes tests like O-NET or GAT/PAT. However, top-tier Thai universities, such as Chulalongkorn University and Thammasat University, have made increasing use of research and analytical writing in admissions and coursework. If AI-generated cheating rises unchecked, these institutions, too, might feel pressured to pivot to more in-class, handwritten assessments, a move that could challenge pedagogical innovation and student well-being.
Thai educators have begun to debate the merits and drawbacks of analog exams. An officer from the Office of the Basic Education Commission has suggested that incorporating written, in-class essays could “make it more difficult for students to simply copy or use unauthorized aids,” though concerns remain about accessibility and student anxiety. “We must balance integrity with opportunities for students to express themselves meaningfully,” said a lecturer at a leading Thai university.
The historical trajectory of the blue book offers Thai society rich food for thought. In the pre-digital era, both Thailand and the United States relied on written exams—remembered by generations as a “rite of passage” and a test of both knowledge and stamina. In Thailand, the practice of writing lengthy essays by hand is familiar to those who completed the university entrance exam system decades ago. However, the advent of digital classrooms has shifted focus towards technology-driven learning and assessment, for both better and worse.
Experts anticipate that the arms race between AI-enabled cheating and analog countermeasures is likely to continue. “We are witnessing a pivotal moment, not just for American education but globally,” said an education policy researcher at a prominent Thai think tank. “Thailand needs to be proactive by investing in AI literacy for both teachers and students, establishing clear ethical guidelines, and exploring practical ways to verify authorship, rather than simply reverting to an earlier mode of assessment.”
Looking forward, several strategies are being debated internationally and could be applicable within Thai classrooms. These include developing AI-detection software, blending in-person and digital assessment, and incorporating oral examinations or project-based learning that challenge students beyond what current AI can replicate.
For Thai parents and students, the message is clear: mastery of content—not mastery of shortcuts—remains the surest path to success. While analog solutions like blue books offer one line of defense, sustainable academic integrity in an AI era will require thoughtful adaptation, transparent policies, and a culture that values genuine intellectual growth over expediency.
To address these challenges, Thai schools and universities can:
- Invest in digital literacy for all stakeholders, so both teachers and students understand the potential and limits of AI
- Update policies and honor codes to clarify what constitutes ethical AI use in academic settings
- Explore blended assessments, including supervised in-class assignments and oral presentations
- Encourage critical thinking, creativity, and deep research skills that AI cannot easily replace
- Promote a balanced view that integrates tradition and technology, rather than retreating into one camp exclusively
By closely observing global trends and learning from the hard-won lessons of other education systems, Thailand can navigate the AI revolution without sacrificing the integrity and richness of its academic traditions. The resurgence of blue books in the US may offer a cautionary tale, but for Thailand, it can also serve as inspiration to forge a path that honors both old and new forms of learning.
Sources: Gizmodo, Bangkok Post, The Wall Street Journal.