As AI writing tools become more accessible, several US universities are reviving handwritten exams. The return of blue books aims to curb AI-assisted cheating and reshape how students demonstrate understanding. The shift highlights a global question: how should assessments evolve in a digital era, including Thailand?
Recent reporting shows blue-book sales rising at large public universities, with increases exceeding 30% at some campuses and nearly 50% at others. A dramatic rise at UC Berkeley has been noted in the past two years. Educators say these in-class, handwritten essays limit opportunities for AI-generated work. Still, experts caution that blue-book exams are not a complete fix and may not capture all forms of learning. The trend has also benefited paper manufacturers and academic suppliers.
AI has rapidly advanced in producing essays, solving problems, and mimicking individual writing styles. Students seeking shortcuts have pressured teachers to rethink assessment methods. Some educators describe AI as disruptive to traditional schooling and worry about a drift away from genuine mastery.
Thai educators are watching closely. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Thai universities have expanded digital tools for teaching and assessment. There is rising concern about unchecked AI use among students and how to maintain fair evaluation. Thailand has long valued in-depth, take-home writing as a measure of thinking, similar to pre-AI practices in the United States. Yet US experiences show that without safeguards, even cherished assignments can be gamed by technology.
In Thailand, exam culture still emphasizes memorization in secondary schooling, and high-stakes tests like O-NET or GAT/PAT rely less on lengthy essays. Nevertheless, leading Thai universities increasingly value research and analytical writing in admissions and coursework. If AI misuse grows, institutions here may consider more in-class, handwritten tasks, a shift that could challenge innovation and student well-being.
Thai education circles are debating analog exams’ benefits and limits. An official from the Basic Education Commission has suggested in-class, handwritten essays could reduce copying and unauthorized aid. However, concerns remain about accessibility and student anxiety. Faculty emphasize balancing integrity with meaningful self-expression.
The blue-book story offers Thailand a chance to reflect on its own assessment evolution. Before digital tools, Thailand and the United States shared a reliance on written exams as a test of knowledge and resilience. Today, the classroom is shaped by technology, raising questions about how best to measure learning while preserving rigor and equity.
Experts predict the broader competition between AI misuse and countermeasures will continue. A Thai education policy researcher notes this is a pivotal moment for global education. Thailand should advance AI literacy for teachers and students, establish clear ethical guidelines, and develop practical methods to verify authorship without reverting to outdated testing alone.
Potential approaches discussed internationally could fit Thai classrooms too. These include AI-detection strategies, blended assessment models combining in-person and digital elements, and more oral examinations or project-based work that challenge what AI can imitate.
For Thai families and learners, the takeaway is that strong understanding remains the path to success. Analog exams can be part of a broader strategy, but sustainable integrity will require thoughtful policy, transparent rules, and a culture that values genuine intellectual growth.
Recommendations for Thai schools and universities:
- Build digital literacy for students and teachers to understand AI’s capabilities and limits
- Update honor codes and assessment policies to clarify ethical AI use
- Explore blended assessments, including supervised in-class tasks and oral presentations
- Emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and deep research skills that AI struggles to replicate
- Balance traditional methods with modern tools to support equity and innovation
By learning from global developments, Thailand can protect academic integrity while embracing responsible technology. The blue-book revival in the US offers a cautionary signal but also an opportunity to craft assessments that honor both traditional rigor and contemporary learning.