#Aicheating

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.

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.