Will Simulation-Based Experiential Learning Combat AI?

AmplifyME empowers universities to combat AI challenges with simulation-based learning, ensuring fair assessments and career-ready skills for students. Discover how our platform bridges the gap between education and industry.

Oct 2 / Anna Buckley

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way we approach teaching and assessment. While AI offers exciting possibilities for enhancing learning experiences, it also poses significant challenges, particularly in maintaining academic integrity. Students are adopting AI tools like ChatGPT at a faster pace than universities can implement safeguards, using them to generate content that often goes undetected in traditional assessments. This disparity has raised urgent concerns about fairness and the authenticity of student evaluations.

A recent blind study at a reputable UK university highlighted the gravity of this issue, revealing that 94% of AI-generated submissions in several undergraduate modules went unnoticed. These submissions not only passed undetected but scored, on average, half a grade higher than those produced by real students, with an 83.4% chance of outperforming genuine work. Such findings emphasise the pressing need for universities to re-evaluate their assessment methods and adopt more robust solutions to ensure the integrity of academic work.

As the reality of AI’s impact on education sinks in, university staff might be asking themselves:

What AI tools are students actually using? Beyond ChatGPT, what other tools are they leveraging to bypass traditional assessments?

If detection software can’t keep up, what safeguards can we rely on? Are there ways to ensure academic integrity when AI technology is evolving faster than our ability to monitor it?

How can we assess students fairly and authentically? What methods exist that can truly evaluate a student’s understanding and skills without being compromised by AI?

What solutions don’t require overwhelming faculty resources? We can’t redesign entire curriculums or add complex assessments for every course. So, what are practical options that won’t overburden staff?

How do we level the playing field for honest students? When AI-generated assignments are getting better grades than authentic work, how can we ensure fairness for those who choose not to use these tools?

Relying on reactive measures like oral exams or group work only scratches the surface. The real issue is that traditional assessments no longer measure true understanding and skill in a world where using AI tools is as common as knowing Excel. The challenge isn’t just about catching AI misuse—it’s about rethinking how we assess learning in a digital age where academic integrity is increasingly blurred.

At AmplifyME, we believe the solution lies in transforming the way universities approach assessment.

Our simulations offer a modern, effective alternative to traditional testing. By immersing students in real-world scenarios that demand:

critical thinking
problem-solving
decision-making
technical skills
practical implementation of finance theory

Simulations provide an authentic and fair assessment of student capabilities—skills that are essential not just for academic success, but for thriving in their future careers.

By using simulation-based learning, universities can create a robust and transparent assessment framework that is resistant to AI manipulation. Each simulation is designed to test practical, real-world skills that cannot be easily mimicked by AI, offering a level playing field for all students.

Simulations go beyond surface-level learning. Unlike traditional assessments that may encourage rote memorisation or the regurgitation of information, simulations immerse students in dynamic environments where they must navigate complex, real-world challenges. For instance, in our financial markets simulations, students are placed in the roles of asset managers or sales traders, where they must respond to live market changes, manage portfolios, and make strategic decisions. This hands-on experience not only fosters a deeper understanding of complex concepts but also ensures that assessments are a true reflection of student capability and free from the influence of AI tools like ChatGPT.

Transforming Learning with Real-World Simulations in Finance
The benefits of AmplifyME’s University Pathways platform go beyond providing experiential learning and authentic assessments through our tailored simulations. Our platform offers a holistic approach that not only evaluates students’ real-world skills but also prepares them for real-world careers. Through career sessions, Q&A workshops, and mock interviews, we ensure students are equipped with the professional skills needed to excel. What sets us apart is our strong institutional partnerships with top financial firms like UBS, Morgan Stanley, and Citadel, which allow us to connect high-performing students directly with internship and graduate opportunities. Those who excel in our simulations are identified as High Potential Candidates (HPCs) and referred to our partners, providing a direct pathway to real-world roles.

Inspiring Excellence Through Real Career Opportunities

This opportunity to be fast-tracked into coveted roles with leading employers is a powerful motivator for students. Knowing that their hard work and performance in simulations can lead to tangible career opportunities inspires them to engage deeply with the material and strive for excellence. This comprehensive approach allows universities to maintain academic integrity while offering their students unparalleled access to career opportunities, bridging the gap between education and industry in an era where AI is reshaping both.

Bridging Academia and Industry for Student Success

This comprehensive approach ensures that universities can maintain academic integrity while simultaneously equipping their students with the skills, experiences, and connections necessary to succeed in the modern competitive job market. Our simulations do more than assess—they prepare students for real-world careers by replicating the challenges they will face in professional environments.

As AI continues to evolve, universities need to adapt their assessment strategies to ensure they remain rigorous and relevant. Simulation-based learning is not only a solution for current challenges but a forward-thinking approach to the future of education. By incorporating simulations, whether formally into the curriculum or offering them as independent opportunities, universities can provide fairer and more comprehensive assessments that genuinely reflect student potential.

At AmplifyME, we are at the forefront of this educational transformation. Our immersive simulations in Banking, Markets, and Quant Finance empower institutions to deliver robust, transparent, and equitable assessments that meet the practical demands of modern industries. For students who engage with these simulations outside of a formal assessment context, the experience offers invaluable career clarity, allowing them to explore different finance pathways and determine their interests without the pressure of being evaluated. This approach helps students understand where their strengths lie and what career paths they may want to pursue.

Whether integrated into the curriculum or offered as an exploratory tool, AmplifyME’s AI-powered simulations provide fairer, more effective ways to assess student capabilities while also helping them navigate their career choices. Together, we can create a future where education and technology work hand in hand to ensure every student is evaluated on their genuine abilities and prepared for the challenges ahead.