A student submits a flawless paper, yet the professor's questions expose doubt: was it the student's work or an AI's?
This scenario is now common in Spanish universities. According to a recent report by the CYD Foundation, 89% of Spanish university students use AI tools like ChatGPT in their studies. Many use it daily, from clarifying concepts to drafting entire assignments.
This shift has forced a reassessment of how knowledge is evaluated. The report notes that most institutions have caught students inserting AI-generated answers even during exams.
In response, some universities are reviving oral exams and requiring students to defend their work in real time without external support. The University of Almería recently hosted a conference on AI after a surge of complaints related to its use. Vice-Rector Maribel Ramírez warned that AI is transforming university life rapidly, bringing challenges around data protection, transparency, and bias. Ombudsman Bernardo Claros reported many requests for intervention, calling for a common response.
Despite the risks, students see AI as a tool to improve performance. Universities recognize its potential for personalized teaching and research, but there is concern about over-dependence and superficial learning.
The education system is undergoing a structural shift. With AI capable of handling memorization and writing, skills like critical thinking and real-time problem-solving are gaining prominence.