ExamSoft by Turnitin supports institutions with secure, controlled exam environments designed to preserve the credibility of assessments 

Dubai, Jan 30, 2026: Is it possible to uphold academic integrity when generative AI can produce answers in seconds? This critical question faces educators today. With AI’s role in education rapidly shifting from novelty to norm (research shows 79.6% of university students in the UAE already use AI tools), a re-evaluation of how student knowledge is measured becomes essential. The challenge isn’t just about detecting AI-generated content, it’s about preserving the foundation of learning: assessment with integrity. 

Assessment is far more than a measurement tool, it is a core principle that underpins all learning and growth. When conducted securely and fairly, it provides an authentic snapshot of a student’s understanding. However, the rise of sophisticated AI has changed the economics of cheating overnight.  

“Exams delivered on platforms requiring an internet connection can be vulnerable. The so-called ‘locked browsers’ that need the internet to function may create an illusion of control, while potentially leaving a back door open for AI tools.” explains Amal Dimashki, Regional Director, MENAT at Turnitin. 

This reality forces institutions to confront a difficult truth: many current assessment methods no longer measure what a student knows, but rather their ability to generate answers with AI during a test. To safeguard the value of academic qualifications, institutions must move beyond simple monitoring and foster a culture of integrity by design. “This requires a renewed partnership between institutions and technology providers—one focused on enabling educators to assess learning their way while helping students embrace new technologies ethically,” says Dimakshi. 

In high-stakes fields like healthcare and law, comprehensive assessments are even more important. Secure exams can help ensure that graduates have the foundational knowledge and skills needed to meet professional standards and support public well-being. Certifying professionals without ensuring their full competence can impact public trust in both academic institutions and the essential professions that support society. Assessment integrity isn’t a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing journey of adaptation to meet the evolving needs of students and society. 

So, how can institutions ensure the authenticity of their assessments in this new landscape? “The answer lies in creating controlled exam environments that are able to shut down outside interference,” she says.  

This is where secure, offline assessment platforms like ExamSoft by Turnitin become essential. Using a dedicated application for exams, which can manage a student’s device environment and limit internet access during testing, can significantly reduce certain vulnerabilities. This controlled environment may help assess a student’s understanding by minimising access to external resources such as AI tools. Educators might find this approach supports more reliable data, potentially leading to clearer insights into student performance and more effective curriculum development. This approach allows educators to have confidence in their data, which in turn can lead to more accurate insights into student performance and better-informed curricular improvements. 

For more than 25 years, Turnitin has supported academic institutions in fostering authentic student work. As this new chapter unfolds, Turnitin’s commitment is to empower educators. By providing tools that help ensure exam security, instructors are given the freedom to focus on what they do best: teaching. This includes offering real-time insights that help map curriculum to learning objectives and provide a comprehensive overview of student progress. 

The integration of AI into education is inevitable and offers transformative potential for learning. But to harness its benefits responsibly, the assessment process must first be secured. By creating environments where students can demonstrate their genuine skills, the credibility of qualifications is upheld and a culture of academic integrity is reinforced, which will serve them throughout their professional lives. The future of education depends on it.