AI is reshaping how we work, learn and deliver education.
For Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), this is not a distant future, it's here, impacting everything from course content to assessment integrity.
With ASQA specifically addressing AI's role in "academic cheating," navigating this new frontier feels urgent.
But what if the conversation is not just about detecting misuse, but about strategically leveraging AI to build truly competent, future-ready graduates?
This article dives into ASQA's insights and offers a fresh perspective on how RTOs can turn AI's challenges into powerful opportunities for compliant and innovative eLearning.
Is AI a Threat or a Tool in VET Assessments?
The Vocational Education and Training (VET) landscape is increasingly shaped by AI, and by the demand for its ethical integration into education.
ASQA's April 2025 IQ bulletin highlighted this issue, especially around "academic cheating."
It’s a hot topic, and rightly so. But here at The Stella Way, we see more than just a challenge; we see a huge opportunity.
This article will break down ASQA’s guidance. More importantly, we will explore how RTOs can actually embrace AI in assessments.
We want to ensure compliance, yes, but also genuinely prepare students for the AI-powered workforce of today and tomorrow.
ASQA's View: Authenticity is Key, Detection is Tricky
ASQA's bulletin highlights rising concerns about cheating, made easier by the accessibility AI tools. The big question for RTOs? Authenticity. How can we truly be sure the work submitted is the student's own?
But, relying only on AI detection tools is a tough game. Experts often warn they're unreliable, prone to false alarms and can strain the student-RTO relationship.
ASQA's message, subtly, nudges us away from just policing students’ use of AI. Rather, it pushes us towards smarter, more proactive assessment design.
Our Recommendation: Teach AI, Don't Just Police It
This is where our perspective at The Stella Way comes in.
We firmly believe it’s time to shift our focus. Our job isn't to punish students for using AI. It's to teach them how to use AI ethically, effectively and responsibly.
AI is not going anywhere. It's a fundamental tool in almost every industry.
So, let's explore how we truly prepare VET students for an AI-powered future:
AI as a Core Skill
Assessments should not ban AI. They should actually include its ethical use. Just like we teach software or specific skills, we should be building students' proficiency in using AI. Think of it as a super-powered assistant for productivity, research and problem-solving. This is a critical new workforce skill.
Preparing for the Real World
We need to prepare students for the workforce as it is now and what it will be in the future, not how it used to be. Graduates need to know how to leverage AI to be competitive, efficient and innovative. Our assessments simply must reflect this.
Smart AI Integration
This isn't about using AI to do the work for the student. It’s about prompting them to use AI for initial drafts, data analysis or brainstorming. The assessment must then demand their critical thinking, their unique synthesis, ethical judgement, and ultimately, their own understanding and contribution.
Putting It Into Practice: Integrating AI Proactively in eLearning and Online Assessments
So, how do RTOs effectively integrate AI into their eLearning and assessments without compromising quality?
ASQA's core assessment design principles remain your compass, and surprisingly, AI itself can be a powerful ally in building better, more robust assessments.
Here are some practical strategies:
Design for AI-Assisted Tasks
Create assessment tasks where students are explicitly allowed, or even required, to use AI tools. The assessment then focuses on their ability to:
- Formulate effective prompts
- Critically evaluate AI-generated content
- Ethically attribute AI use
- Refine, verify and add their unique human insight and judgment
For example, instead of
"Write a report on marketing strategies,"
try
"Develop a marketing campaign for a specific, niche product with limited budget, justifying your strategic choices and predicting potential challenges. Use AI to assist in initial research and drafting, but demonstrate your unique problem-solving process and ethical considerations."
Assess the Process, Not Just the Product
Require students to document their AI use. This could involve submitting AI prompts, showing versions of AI-generated content alongside their own revisions or providing a reflection on how AI assisted their learning journey for a particular task.
For example, in a research project, a student might submit their initial AI-generated outline, the specific prompts used and then a critical analysis explaining how they refined, verified and expanded upon the AI's output to form their final, original argument.
This shows the development of their thought process and ethical AI engagement.
Leverage AI for Formative Feedback and Learning
Incorporate AI tools into your eLearning design for student self-assessment or adaptive learning paths. While not for summative assessment, this teaches students how to interact with AI in a learning context, and can free up trainer time for higher-value assessment activities.
For example, your RTO could implement an AI-powered chatbot that answers common student queries about a module, or an AI tool that provides instant feedback on a draft written piece, highlighting areas for improvement; such as grammar or structure. This helps students learn how to use AI for self-directed support.
Focus on Applied Competence and Justification
For practical or complex tasks, students can use AI for initial support, but the assessment validates their ability to perform the skill or verbally justify their process and decisions. This validates their understanding, not just their ability to generate text.
For instance, in a simulated workplace scenario for a business course, a student might use an AI tool to draft a project proposal. However, the assessment would require them to then orally present and defend that proposal to an assessor, explaining their choices, justifying their budget and demonstrating an understanding of the client's needs that AI could not fully provide.
Develop Ethical AI Policies & Training
Crucially, your RTO needs clear, positive policies on AI use. Actively train both staff and learners on what constitutes ethical AI use, plagiarism and how to harness AI responsibly as a learning and professional tool. This is not about lengthy, restrictive rules, but empowering guidelines. Think of it as a living document that evolves as AI does. Your policy should provide examples of acceptable and unacceptable AI use. Your training should include practical demonstrations of AI tools and their limitations, fostering critical thinking. This ensures everyone understands the boundaries and benefits of AI in your learning environment.
For example, your RTO could provide a short, mandatory online module for all students covering AI ethics, prompt engineering basics, and how to properly cite AI assistance in assessments. It could include interactive scenarios where students decide if an AI use case is ethical or not.
The Stella Way: Your Partner for Future-Ready eLearning
Navigating this isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about smart, practical implementation. ASQA's April 2025 IQ bulletin is a clear message: AI is here, and RTOs must proactively design assessments that protect integrity while embracing AI's benefits.
That’s precisely where The Stella Way steps in. We specialise in developing ASQA-compliant, truly engaging eLearning solutions. Our focus? Designing assessments that build integrity, prepare students for the modern workforce, and use AI's power for better learning outcomes.
Want to ensure your digital training is not just compliant, but genuinely impactful, innovative and ready for the future? Let's chat, feel free to schedule a strategy session to explore how we can help your RTO thrive.
Let's Build a Smarter VET Future Together
AI in assessments isn't just a challenge; it's an opportunity.
By focusing on ethical AI use, smart assessment design and preparing students for the AI-powered world, RTOs can lead the way.
Let's make your eLearning truly exceptional.
Curious how this could work in your RTO?
Schedule a free strategy session below.
We will discuss how you can implement AI into your eLearning and Online Assessments.
