Students are increasingly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to complete their academic work, raising concerns about cheating in schools. To address this issue, universities are bringing back blue books, a traditional tool used for writing exams. These blue books first appeared at Butler University in Indiana around a century ago, reflecting the school’s colors. They consist of blank pages for students to fill with their own writing.
Blue books are making a comeback as educators look for ways to uphold academic integrity amid the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, which can easily generate essays and answers. While the use of blue books declined with the rise of technology, their return signals a desire for more authentic assessments.
Many professors believe that handwritten exams can help prevent cheating. AI-generated content often lacks depth and critical thinking, as it relies heavily on existing online sources, which may not be reliable. The resurgence of blue books allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and writing skills without digital assistance. This method encourages critical thinking, a skill that many educators feel is lacking in today’s learning environment.
Sales of blue books have surged recently, with some universities reporting increases of 30% at Texas A&M, 50% at the University of Florida, and even 80% at UC Berkeley. In addition to blue books, some educators are considering adding oral assessments to ensure students can articulate their understanding verbally.
Teachers want their students to learn and succeed genuinely, rather than relying on shortcuts. Education should focus on analysis and creativity, rather than just memorizing facts. The return of blue books is seen as a step toward fostering a more thoughtful and engaged student body.
As schools adapt to these changes, the hope is that traditional methods like blue books will help restore a sense of integrity and personal expression in academic work.
