Generative AI is changing the way we learn. Tools like NotebookLM or chatbots make it easier to absorb information… or cheat. Global online learning platform Coursera is taking action by adding new features to help students master skills while deterring cheating.
I’ve taken several Coursera courses and revisited them in recent months, only to see new sections dedicated to working with AI in the context of the course subject. This makes sense not only for the courses themselves, but also for the platform.
Here are some of the new changes announced during Coursera Connect 2025 on Tuesday.
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Role Play with new AI Personas
Launching in October, Role Play can help students learn job skills and soft skills using AI personas. With back-and-forth interactions, you can prepare for an interview and get live, actionable feedback on your delivery. You can also customize the personas to fit realistic scenarios and course objectives. That provides a safe space for students to practice key interactions for the job market and build confidence.
AI-enabled features for students and educators
New AI scoring capabilities will make it easier for educators to assess complex skill assignments for students. Questions can now be graded instantly for code, essay and video responses through AI-generated rubrics. Peer Review grading will also see AI enhancements for scoring. Coursera is also introducing new milestones, nudges and moments of recognition to help students maintain motivation to complete their courses.
Lockdown on AI Misuse
Coursera is introducing Integrity Checks to combat cheating on its platform, including Proctoring, a locking browser to restrict access to external applications. It will also implement targeted authenticity checks to further reduce the misuse of AI.
While Coursera Proctoring and Integrity Check are entirely powered by AI, educators make the final call when handling flagged instances. Coursera says its Proctoring solution reduces misconduct by 95% and has reduced plagiarized submissions by 90% since May.
Course Builder expanding to all partners
Coursera’s Course Builder lets educators design courses with AI, with speed and scalability at the forefront.
Course creators will have access to an AI-powered course designer and to the new tool integrations, like Role Play and AI-graded questions. The new features, which are currently available to select partners and enterprise customers, will continue to be refined based on feedback before being rolled out further.
