Artificial intelligence can produce convincing answers. But how do universities establish whether a student genuinely understands the material?

That question is being put to Caribbean educators and policymakers gathered in Guyana for the 22nd Annual Conference of the Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance in Tertiary Education (CANQATE).

In her opening address, Education Minister Sonia Parag called for closer examination of what student assessments actually demonstrate, as artificial intelligence changes how knowledge is produced and used.

“We must think carefully about what our assessments actually demonstrate. Can a student question and answer? Recognise its limitations and define a conclusion? How do we establish that understanding has taken place? Our quality assurance systems must help institutions respond thoughtfully to these questions, while giving good teaching room to evolve,” she said.

The discussion comes as Guyana expands access to tertiary education through free tuition at the University of Guyana and thousands of online scholarships.

Parag stressed, however, that increased access must be matched by quality education that prepares graduates to exercise sound judgement and take responsibility in the workplace.

She emphasised that behind every programme reviewed and every accreditation decision is a student whose future depends on the standards upheld by educational institutions.

“We have a duty to make that promise worthy of their trust. This is why quality assurance matters so deeply. Behind every programme reviewed and every accreditation decision is someone whose future will be affected by the standards we are prepared to uphold. Students will never see the deliberations of an accreditation council, but they certainly live with the consequences of its decisions,” she said.

Beyond the impact of artificial intelligence on student assessment, the conference is also addressing the need for stronger cooperation among regional accreditation agencies and greater professional development for quality assurance practitioners.

CANQATE’s draft strategic plan, presented ahead of the conference, identifies these areas as priorities for strengthening the regional network.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), CANQATE President Dr Sherlene Enriquez-Savery also emphasised the importance of quality assurance in ensuring that tertiary education delivers meaningful outcomes for students and contributes to social and economic transformation.

She highlighted the Government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education through free tuition at the University of Guyana and thousands of online scholarships. However, she noted that these opportunities must be accompanied by high academic standards and quality programmes that adequately prepare graduates for the workforce.

Dr Enriquez-Savery also challenged institutions to ensure that students can think critically, question information and demonstrate genuine understanding.

Held under the theme “Education for Impact: Quality Assurance as a Catalyst for Social and Economic Transformation”, the conference continues until November 5. The closing ceremony and dinner are scheduled to take place at the Royal International Hotel in Georgetown.

Education Minister Sonia Parag