Several schools are experimenting with software capable of reading and grading baccalaureate exam papers. This innovation raises questions.

Artificial intelligence tools tested for correcting the baccalaureate exam
Artificial intelligence tools tested for correcting the baccalaureate exam

The baccalaureate exams could undergo a technological revolution in the coming years. Artificial intelligence software capable of reading, grading, and commenting on students' assignments is currently being tested in several French high schools. Each year, approximately 80,000 examiners share the responsibility of marking three million final-year students' papers. Faced with this considerable workload, digital solutions are emerging to accelerate the marking process.

An experiment limited to white bins

The experiment is primarily conducted on mock exams, allowing for an assessment of the reliability of these tools without impacting official results. French teachers are already familiar with these technologies: nearly 40% of them reported in 2023 using artificial intelligence for various teaching tasks. The developers of this software highlight the significant time savings for examiners, who could then focus on providing pedagogical support rather than on mechanical grading.

Questions about generalization

Despite the stated promises, a rapid widespread adoption of these systems seems unlikely. Questions remain about artificial intelligence's ability to assess the subtlety of an argument or the originality of a thought. The issue of fairness among candidates also arises, as does the question of the educational value of automated grading. Educational authorities remain cautious about this innovation, which could profoundly transform one of the most symbolic rituals of the French school system.

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