23rd September Weekly Global Update

This week's collection is dominated by one question: how should assessment respond to AI? Maxinity argues that medical exams must shift from recall to clinical reasoning, while Al Jazeera explores evidence that faster, AI-assisted homework may be linked to poorer exam results. In England, two reports led by Sir Anthony Seldon, covered by BBC News and Schools Week, call for a national AI framework, teacher training and a "rapid response unit" to bring order to AI use in schools. Alongside this, the oral exam is making a comeback, with The Chronicle of Higher Education charting its resurgence and Viva Vocina offering AI-led oral assessments that question learners on their submitted work. AI is also reshaping how assessments are built. Cirrus Assessment has partnered with Examplary to bring EU-hosted, AI-assisted exam authoring into its platform, and Examplary itself is positioning its toolset as a way to reduce teacher workload. Data rights are becoming a sharper concern too, with the University of Southampton announcing it will phase out Turnitin by 2027 over licence terms permitting the use of student submissions for AI training. Test security remains firmly in the headlines. ATI and Elsevier have secured a preliminary injunction against Naxlex over nursing assessment piracy, Finland plans to check candidates' ears for hidden earpieces, Tanzania is introducing bans and prosecution for procurement exam cheats, and exam cheating tops university disciplinary cases in Kenya. Education Times adds a thoughtful counterpoint, arguing that remote proctoring needs context rather than simply more cameras, and the Philippines' Professional Regulation Commission reminds candidates of its strict rules on allowable calculators. On the market side, Pearson has acquired Baltimore-based assessment technology provider ITS, and RM sets out the core requirements for scaling digital assessment. Rounding off the collection, Scanning Pens highlights how assistive technology can improve exam equity, MDPI publishes new research on computer vision, and the Tried and Tested Podcast speaks to NBCOT's Angela Macauley about workforce demand and the value of credentialing. Disclaimer The Test Community Network curates links to third-party content for information purposes only. We do not own, control or endorse the content, products, services or opinions of any external website, and inclusion in this collection should not be taken as a recommendation. While we make reasonable efforts to share relevant and reputable sources, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, availability or timeliness of third-party material, which may change or be removed without notice. Any views expressed belong to the original authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Test Community Network. Accessing external links is at your own risk, and your use of those sites is subject to their own terms and privacy policies. The Test Community Network accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on, or use of, third-party content.