AI use causes decline in student academic performance as exam failure rates hit record highs

A serious issue regarding the quality of education has emerged in the world's leading universities. The rate of students failing to pass exams in computer science and programming courses has reached a record high. The elimination of standardized tests and an overreliance on technology have led the educational system into a major crisis, NewYorkpost.com reports.

According to specific studies conducted, the level of failing grades this past spring reached an unprecedented peak. Even in the most basic introductory course, described in the curriculum as "a gentle but thorough introduction to computer science," more than 35 percent of students received low grades and failed. It is worth noting that previously, the failure rate for this subject was a mere 7 percent. This unfortunate situation was repeated in two other important courses as well.

Professors state that students have relied too heavily on artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT and Claude when completing homework and projects. Because they overused code-generating neural networks during the coursework, they were unable to solve problems on their own when it came time for the actual exams. In just one course, nearly 30 students were caught cheating using artificial intelligence during a take-home exam. Some young people even seemed to stop studying independently altogether, mistakenly believing that there would be no restrictions on using the internet and artificial intelligence.

Instructors link the other side of the problem to the poor mathematical foundation of the students. More than 1,300 university faculty members sent a letter to the administration, stating that they are forced to re-explain the basic "middle school" curriculum to students during higher mathematics classes.

This was caused by reforms in the educational system, specifically the decision to drop the mandatory SAT and ACT standardized tests for admissions. At the time, this step was taken following arguments from lawyers that it would protect children from low-income families and maintain social equality. Now, professors argue that this decision has lowered the standard of education and are demanding the urgent reinstatement of admission exams.