Starting from Trimester 1, 2026, UNE is implementing a new Assessment Architecture designed to future-proof your degree. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms the workplace, we are evolving our assessment methods to ensure you graduate with both the ability to use modern tools and the verified skills and knowledge employers demand.

The Assessment Architecture organises all unit assessments into two distinct "Lanes," providing clarity on when you can use technology and when you must demonstrate independent mastery.

Assurance Tasks (Secure) 

These tasks are designed to confirm you have met the learning outcomes unit and/or course on your own merit.

  • What they are: High-trust assessments such as online supervised exams, oral presentations, practical tasks, work placements or major projects.
  • How they work: Lane 1 tasks are designed to test your achievement of unit and/or course learning outcomes, and you must successfully complete these tasks as part of your studies.
  • Technology Rule: AI is only permitted where such a permission is explicitly provided. Each Unit Coordinator can specify what technology can be used in each Assurance Task.
You may also hear Assurance Tasks referred to as "Lane 1" tasks in some contexts.


Learning Tasks (Open) 

These tasks are designed to help you practice, develop your skills, and improve through feedback.

  • What they are: Continuous activities like quizzes, reflective journals, essays or other take-home tasks.
  • How they work: These tasks build your skills and knowledge and enable you to receive feedback on your assessment work, preparing you for the Lane 1 Assurance Tasks.
  • Technology Rule: You are always allowed to use AI and other technologies in Lane 2. We encourage you to use these tools to brainstorm, draft, and refine your understanding, rather than replace your own deep engagement with the learning materials.
You may also hear Learning Tasks referred to as "Lane 2" tasks in some contexts.

A Note on Academic Integrity:  Academic integrity remains central to all UNE assessments. While Learning Tasks allow the use of AI, you must use it ethically to support your learning, not replace it. Where you use AI in Assurance tasks, you must reference its use, and you remain responsible for the quality of all assessment materials submitted under Learning as well as Assurance Tasks.

This balanced approach ensures your qualification retains its high value while giving you the freedom to master the technologies of the future.


Frequently Asked Questions: 


1. What is the "Two-Lane" Assessment Architecture? 

It is a way of structuring assessment at UNE that splits all assessment tasks into two categories: 

  • Assurance Tasks: Also known as "Lane 1" tasks. Secure tasks designed to prove you have achieved the learning outcomes. 
  • Learning Tasks: Also known as "Lane 2" tasks. Open tasks designed to help you learn, practice, and develop skills. 

2. When do these changes start? 

The new assessment architecture officially comes into effect for units delivered from Trimester 1, 2026. Between now and then, you may see some unit information in the UNE Handbook being updated, but the new assessment structure does NOT apply to units in Trimester 3, 2025. 

3. Can I use GenAI (like Madgwick Student or ChatGPT) in my assessments? 

In Learning Tasks: 

YES. You are explicitly allowed to use Generative AI and other technologies in Learning Tasks. We want you to learn how to use these tools productively to draft, brainstorm, and refine your work. 

In Assurance Tasks: 

DEPENDS ON YOUR ASSESSMENT. Assurance Tasks are restricted. Unless the instructions specifically say otherwise, you cannot use AI. These tasks are about demonstrating your knowledge and skills. However, some Assurance Tasks will be designed specifically to integrate AI usage. Check the information in your unit to find out the details for each of your Assurance Tasks.

4. Does Academic Integrity still matter if I can use AI? 

Yes, absolutely. 

  • In Assurance Tasks: Strict adherence to rules is required. Using unauthorised tools here is considered academic misconduct. 
  • In Learning Tasks: Even though you can use AI, you must do so ethically. You cannot simply copy-paste AI output and claim it as your own without acknowledgement. You must use the tools to assist your learning, not replace it. Where you use AI, you must reference its use. 

5. What exactly is an "Assurance Task"? 

These are "high-trust" assessments where we verify your identity and your work. 

Examples include (but are not limited to): Supervised exams (online), oral presentations (viva voce), placement performance reviews, or projects developed under direct supervision as well as practical tasks. 

6. What is a "Learning Task"? 

These are development assessments focused on building your confidence, preparing you for Assurance Tasks, and providing the opportunity for you to receive feedback in your teachers and unit coordinators. 

Examples include (but are not limited to): online quizzes, essays, reflective journals or unsupervised take-home tasks. 

7. Does this mean I will have to sit more exams? 

Not necessarily. While "invigilated online exams" are one type of Assurance Tasks, they are not the only one. Your Unit Coordinator might choose an oral assessment, a structured presentation, an authentic task in a controlled setting, a supervised practical skill demonstration, or a range of other tasks instead. The focus is on assessment security, in a task that is appropriate for your area of study, rather than on sitting an invigilated online exam. 

9. What are "Hurdle Requirements" in this new system? 

Assurance Tasks are Hurdles. This means you generally must pass the Assurance Task component(s) as part of your studies. You cannot rely solely on high marks in Learning Tasks to carry you through your unit or course. 

10. Why is the University making this change? 

To protect the value of your degree. In a world full of AI, employers are looking for confirmation that you possess the skills listed on your transcript. Assurance Tasks provides that confirmation, while Learning Tasks ensures you still learn how to use modern technology, and that a majority of your assessments are focused on learning and development. 

11. How will I know which assignments are Assurance Tasks (Lane 1) or Learning Tasks (Lane 2)? 

Every unit site (in myLearn) and Unit information (in Handbook) will clearly label which assessments are "Assurance Tasks" along with the specific rules for technology use for each. 

12. Can I use a Learning Task to prepare for an Assurance Task? 

Yes, that is the design! Learning Tasks are designed to prepare you for Assurance Tasks. This means the open work you do during the trimester (with AI support and feedback) is designed specifically to practice the skills you will need to demonstrate independently in the Assurance Task(s). 

13. What happens if I have an Access Plan (Student Accessibility)? 

The new architecture does not change our commitment to accessibility. Reasonable Adjustments can still be made for both Assurance Tasks and Learning Tasks to accommodate your needs. However, Reasonable Adjustments for Assurance Task(s) require that the assurance value of the task is maintained. 

14. What happens if I do not pass an Assurance Task? 

Because Assurance Tasks are Hurdle requirements, failing them usually means failing the unit. 

However, Unit Coordinators often design these tasks so you have a clear opportunity to demonstrate your competence. If you are struggling, it is vital to engage with the Learning Tasks earlier in the trimester to build your skills before the assured assessment. 


Last modified: Friday, 19 December 2025, 2:53 PM