EXPLORING THE APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN STRENGTHENING THE INTEGRITY OF SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strengthening the integrity of school-based assessments in Industrial and Technology Education (ITE) Programmes. It employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. North-Central Nigeria was selected as the study region due to its concentration of higher institutions offering ITE Programmes. The population comprised 600 individuals: 300 ITE lecturers, 200 EdTech professionals specializing in AI for education, and 100 IT support staff at universities offering ITE. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 240 participants was selected, ensuring representation from all categories within the population. Data collection was conducted through a self-developed Likert scale questionnaire containing 20 items evenly distributed between the two research questions. The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach's Alpha confirmed the reliability of the instrument, yielding indices of .89 and .92 for the two sections, indicating high internal consistency. Data was collected electronically via Google Forms, with a 95% response rate. Descriptive statistical methods including mean, mode, and standard
deviation were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed potential AI technologies such as AI-powered proctoring tools, machine learning algorithms, and AI-based plagiarism detection tools. Implementation strategies include regular teacher training, stakeholder collaboration, infrastructure investment, establishing feedback loops, pilot testing before full-scale implementation, curriculum integration, and strategies addressing resistance to AI. Based on these findings, the study recommended that curriculum developers of ITE programmes should tailor AI tools to specific student needs and integrate them into the curriculum as well as
University administrators offering ITE programmes should enter into collaborations with AI tech firms or experts to deliver effective training for ITE lecturers in using AI technologies.