AI Digital Colonialism and Drone Geofencing Featured in Geography Exam

(By reporter Chen Chih-chung, Taipei, July 14) The geography exam for the 115th academic year featured numerous emerging technology topics, including 'digital colonialism' arising from the development of AI (artificial intelligence) and 'electronic fences' to prevent drones from mistakenly entering restricted airspace, emphasizing both technical operation logic and critical reflection.

The National Federation of Senior High School Educators (NFSE) solution team noted that this year's geography exam was generally moderate to easy, with a majority of comprehension-based questions. A key feature was the shift of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from theoretical concepts to practical tools for solving real-life problems. For example, Question 2 discussed how the government mandates storing restricted airspace data within drone systems to create an 'electronic fence'.

Question 3 involved volunteers marking locations in need of rescue and their requirements on a website during disaster relief, exemplifying the application of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI).

AI-related topics remain popular exam content. Question 5 in this year's geography exam explored how AI model training requires vast amounts of labeled data—an extremely labor-intensive process. U.S. AI companies often outsource this work to countries like Venezuela, creating a phenomenon known as 'digital colonialism'.

Current events were also tested. Question 33 mentioned the U.S. military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, asking students to identify the location of this critical waterway. Questions 40 and 41 covered the Matai'an flood in Hualien's Guangfu Township, requiring students to analyze a contour topographic map and explain, in under 40 characters (handwritten), why the disaster was severe.

The National Teachers Association (NTA) solution team pointed out that regional topics were unevenly distributed this year, with more questions on Africa than in previous years, but relatively fewer on Southeast and South Asia. The weight of elective geography content increased, benefiting students in social science-related streams.

NTA believes this year's exam was slightly easier than last year's, and scores are expected to rise compared to the previous year. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150714