In a recent incident during a computer science exam at the University of Salamanca, Professor Javier Blanco was using headphones, leading student Víctor Funcia to feel a mix of confusion and frustration. However, Blanco was not casually listening to music; he was attempting to intercept a specific radio signal. The outcome was startling: a student in the classroom was receiving answers to the exam via a hidden headset. Blanco's successful detection allowed the entire classroom to hear the answers, yet none of the students seemed perturbed.
The tiny earpiece, known as a nanopenguin, is so minuscule that it fits next to the eardrum and must be removed with a magnet. Ultimately, it turned out that three students were using these devices. While this incident occurred in the summer, such cheating methods have been around since before the pandemic, with similar technologies highlighted in a 2019 study by professors from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. One of those educators, Ismael Ripoll, expressed satisfaction that their research had proven useful in identifying cheating methods.
Blanco utilized Ripoll's insights to develop his detection device. This advancement also connects to a larger issue involving artificial intelligence in academic settings. An exam photo can be sent to a family member or friend who then uses AI services, like ChatGPT, to provide answers over the phone, making cheating more accessible.
Various videos on social media, some reaching millions of views, explain how to use these detection devices, which are readily available online. Reviews for products like the Pingaoculto, priced at €42.99, suggest replacing the battery before lengthy study sessions, highlighting the range of devices that include microphones and earpieces disguised as everyday items.
Challenges in Spanish Universities
Cheating poses a significant problem for Spanish universities. José Juan López, Vice-Rector for Students at Miguel Hernández University in Elche, mentioned the difficulty in addressing this issue due to the rapid development of technology. The challenge extends beyond exams to job qualifications, with concerns over devices that are increasingly capable of providing answers discreetly.
As cell phones are banned during exams, students find ways to sneak in advanced gadgets. AI tools can answer exam questions without any preparation, leading to a decline in effort among students, as noted by Laura, the head of languages at the San Roque Academy in Tenerife. She emphasized the growing tendency for students to seek quick solutions rather than engage deeply with the material.
Additionally, cheating is becoming so easy that it potentially harms fair competition among students, particularly when scholarships or admission to desired programs are at stake. Student Funcia remarked on the paradox of cheating in relatively easy subjects, questioning the motivations behind such actions.
Ineffectiveness of Sanctioning
Currently, educational institutions are struggling with outdated sanctioning systems regarding academic dishonesty. According to the revised law implemented in 2023, cheating constitutes a serious offense, with penalties including suspension for up to two exam calls and temporary expulsion from the university. However, these penalties are perceived as ineffective, with Rodrigo Santamaría from the University of Salamanca stating that these measures do little to deter dishonest behavior.
The complications surrounding detection, reporting, and proving cheating incidents highlight the new challenges educators face. José Ángel Contreras, head of the Inspection service at the University of Burgos, elaborated on the difficulty of substantiating claims regarding the use of devices like earpieces, yielding an environment where many believe cheating is likely more prevalent than officially documented.
This issue is not exclusive to Spain, as reports emerge from various countries about similar experiences, showcasing how widespread this challenge has become. A medical student from the University of Padua noted instances of cheating through devices as well.
To combat these challenges, López proposed the potential use of frequency inhibitors, which are currently illegal except for police use. He mentioned sharing this concern at a meeting with government officials but found little traction in the discussion.
If you have more information about this case or similar incidents, please reach out to jordipc@elpais.es
