New Approaches to Computer Science Assessment in the AI Age

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has introduced both opportunities and challenges in higher education, particularly in computer science assessment. AI-generated content from tools like ChatGPT has diminished the effectiveness of traditional plagiarism detection systems, necessitating a shift in evaluation strategies. This paper proposes a comprehensive rethinking of assessment methodologies by leveraging free and accessible online platforms that require students to share unique, verifiable links to their work. By incorporating platforms such as Replit, SQLFiddle, Google Cloud Shell, TryHackMe, and Cisco Packet Tracer, among others, educators can promote hands-on learning, improve academic integrity, and foster deeper conceptual understanding. These innovative approaches ensure that assessments measure genuine student effort and proficiency rather than their ability to replicate AI-generated responses.