Earlier this month the University of Sydney launched an investigation into allegations miniature spy cameras were used to record and distribute exam content online. At the same time, the UK’s national examinations regulator warned smart glasses, smartwatches and concealed earpieces are emerging threats for unis. Chief regulator of qualifications Sir Ian Bauckham noted technology was “changing fast”: There are […] … learn more→
Author Archives: Kevin
Unis are going back to in‑person exams. But some students are finding new ways to cheat
Anyone can fake a scientific image with AI, tricking even academic journals – and undermining trust in science
A photograph of Earth glowing in deep space, the Moon’s cratered horizon stretching across its foreground, caught many people’s eyes in April 2026. Astronauts captured the image while aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission, and like the famous Apollo 8 “Earthrise” image, the picture felt instantly real and inspiring for many. But when almost anyone can fabricate a visually similar […] … learn more→
‘Too pretty to do math’? Here’s the real reason girls aren’t choosing to study maths
The t-shirt is yellow, 100% cotton and meant for “everyday wear”. Across the front, it declares in italic script, “I’m too pretty to do math”. While some may see it as a joke, it is sparking widespread criticism from some of Australia’s science leaders. The shirt, created by Australian label Lioness, has raised questions about the deep-rooted messages girls […] … learn more→
ROAM: four questions before you draft
lol I no Josh Bernoff, who wrote Writing Without Bullshit, had a suggestion for anyone about to start drafting. Work out your ROAM first. What’s ROAM I hear you ask? Well, it’s a set of questions. R is for Readers: who is your reader? O is for Objective: how will you change the reader? A is for […] … learn more→
Are all digital devices equally addictive?
The Onlife Manifesto, “Being Human in a Hyperconnected Age , ” was published over a decade ago . Promoted by the European Commission, the document analyzes the social penetration of information and communication technologies and their impact on people’s lives. Based on the premise that technology has ceased to be an external tool that we use at […] … learn more→
The ‘P’ in PhD does not stand for ‘prompt’
A week or so ago, I posted a little mini rant there about the humble em dash, complaining that it has become an AI ‘tell’ and that I was self censoring to avoid adding them: Look at those stats: I went LinkedIn viral! The most social media excitement I’ve had in a single day since […] … learn more→
Many college students already have well‑formed cheating habits – that, not AI, is the real problem
My colleagues and I recently spoke with a group of talented, interesting students who just completed their first year of college about using artificial intelligence as a research tool. I asked what must have seemed like an unrelated question: “How many of you cheated in high school?” Most of the students raised their hands. Perhaps […] … learn more→
Who decides how to teach when artificial intelligence enters the classroom?
Imagine a journalism professor. For years she’s taught her students how to write reports: how to find sources, how to structure the story, how to find the right tone. Now, her faculty is recommending that she incorporate chatbots into her classes. They offer her a two-hour workshop on how to build effective prompts . She leaves the workshop […] … learn more→
Artificial intelligence raises profound moral questions — for all of humanity to answer
Will you be flagged at the border? Will your mortgage application be approved? During wartime, whose neighbourhood would a weapon system target? These are moral choices — about harm and fairness — and they used to be made by people. Now moral choices like these are made by artificial intelligence (AI) and by the companies […] … learn more→
Have a word or two with your data
When we work with our data we have to decide who and what gets to be in the story. A number goes in the table or it doesn’t. A quote earns half a page, a passing mention, or nothing at all. The participant who said the awkward, off-message thing gets wrapped in a sentence that […] … learn more→
