Why two-thirds of year 10s are failing to meet national benchmarks despite AI experience
Australia’s curriculum authority has found that two-thirds of year 10 students in Queensland do not meet national benchmarks for computer and technology literacy, despite many having “extensive” experience of artificial intelligence.
Students in grades 6 to 10 were tested on their ability to securely access and evaluate online information, use digital tools and work with “emerging and future technologies” with tasks such as creating and coding online documents.
The number of Year 10 students passing the test proficiently in Queensland has fallen by more than 10 per cent since the last exam period in 2022.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority tested approximately 5500 Year 6 students from 328 schools across the country and approximately 4750 Year 10 students from 313 schools.
Technology proficiency among Queensland year 10 students has fallen almost every year, results released on Wednesday showed since the test started In 2005.
In 2025, this rate was four points below the national average; this was the lowest among all mainland states.
However, in year 6, the number of students achieving the national benchmark remained fairly consistent over the same period, with around half proving proficient in the use of technology.
West End State School’s head of P&C, Vanessa Bertagnole, said her daughter quickly improved her digital and writing skills using the iPad her family purchased for use during the school’s selection process. bring your own device program.
Bertagnole said he wants his children to learn how to use technology in a safe classroom environment.
“It’s like sugar, right? Sugar is bad for you but it tastes good; it’s learning how to control and measure with it because it’s going to be in everything,” he said.
Other parents at the school have decided not to enroll their children, opting instead for paper-and-pencil assignments, Bertagnole said.
“Even though they are not participating in the bring-your-own-device program, students are still using screens as a learning tool in classrooms,” he said.
The ACARA report said Year 6 students in Queensland used technology more every day than other states, and half used technology outside the classroom every day. This figure was surpassed only by Western Australia, which had 52 per cent.
ACARA found that nearly 60 percent of 10th graders in high schools nationwide use AI at least once a month. But about a quarter said they often use it to help with schoolwork.
ACARA chief executive Stephen Gniel said the statistics contradicted students’ self-reported “extensive experience of using digital tools”.
In third grade, Queensland University of Technology lecturer Dr. Henry Fraser (an expert on AI regulation and impact) said he was surprised at how his students treated technology in their classes.
“I realized that young students needed to be educated and taught not to accept outcomes at face value,” he said.
In a project where students were able to critique their own work using artificial intelligence, some did not refine their questions to get results equal to the feedback a person could give, Fraser said.
“These young students will get the AI, and it will provide an endless amount of nonsense, and they will be like, ‘Okay, okay, this is my feedback,’” he said.
Queensland Department of Education – was launching an artificial intelligence program for secondary school students – said that he included technology literacy in primary school studies.
The department spokesperson said that 7th and 8th grade students take compulsory courses and these courses can continue as electives until the 10th grade.
“In addition, schools provide students with opportunities to develop digital literacy, a general skill embedded within and across Australia’s year 10 preparation curriculum,” the spokesperson said.
The department also expected to increase technology learning opportunities with the rollout of its artificial intelligence program.
Start your day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
