A University of Auckland student has been penalised after being caught wearing smart glasses during a test, raising fresh concerns over how emerging technology could be used by students to cheat.
The incident has highlighted the challenges universities may face as smart glasses become increasingly accessible, with some models equipped with cameras and artificial intelligence features.
University of Auckland Computer Science Senior Lecturer Ulrich Speidel says smart glasses can potentially allow students to record exam questions, send them to outside helpers or AI systems, and receive information directly through the glasses.
A University of Auckland spokesperson says the student was seen wearing smart glasses during a test by an invigilator, despite a pre-test announcement explicitly stating that smart glasses and watches were not permitted.
The glasses were removed and the student was allowed to continue the test.
The university says an academic integrity investigation was carried out and the student received a penalty, although it would not disclose what the penalty was.
Speidel says exam invigilators will now need to be increasingly alert to students using smart glasses.
He says some smart glasses can be identified by their broad hinge sections or larger bridges.
Invigilators could also ask students to cover the cameras with masking tape, particularly when the glasses are prescription eyewear.
The concerns come as smart glasses become more widely available.
The University of Auckland says it will continue to monitor emerging technologies as part of its efforts to uphold academic integrity.
Source: RNZ
