In the digital age, students have always found ways to outsource assignments, whether through friends or paid services. But in 2024, the game has changed: students are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and EssayGenius to do work form. se tools can generate entire essays in seconds, removing the need for students to pay for shady essay services. However, as AI becomes more integrated into academia, the question arises: can educators outsmart se AI-powered shortcuts?
Allure of AI
It’s easy to see why students would turn to AI for help. Why spend hours researching and writing about the fall of the Roman Empire when an AI tool can do it for free in 30 seconds? This technology allows students to produce a fully written and cited assignment effortlessly. Yet, the downside is that these tools often produce ambiguous language, and, perhaps ironically, make it easier for teachers to detect AI-generated work.
For example, a common red flag is excessive repetition of key terms from the assignment prompt. When a student uses AI to generate a response, the tool tends to overemphasize the prompt’s language, making the essay read more like a robot’s attempt to check all keyword boxes than a student’s understanding of the topic.
Can Teachers Use AI to Fight AI?
To combat AI-powered cheating, educators are turning to the same tools that students use. Here are a few strategies teachers can implement:
- Understand AI tools students use: Familiarize yourself with popular AI tools like ChatGPT and EssayGenius. Try entering your assignment prompts into the tools before the semester begins to see the type of responses students might generate.
- Compare student writing samples: Early in the semester, have students submit a personal writing sample, such as “200 words on your favorite childhood toy.” This gives you a baseline of your writing style, making it easier to spot inconsistencies later.
- Ask for a rewrite: If you suspect a student has used AI, run your work through an AI tool to generate a rewritten version. If the AI-produced response is nearly identical, likely, that the original was also AI-generated.
- Use AI detection tools: Tools designed to detect AI-generated text can help verify suspicions. se tools compare sentence structures, word usage, and more to spot non-human writing.
AI’s Impact on Education
With AI tools becoming more sophisticated, educators face a new challenge in ensuring academic integrity. But with the right approach, teachers can stay ahead of AI and encourage students to engage with their work in meaningful ways. Ultimately, it’s up to educators to make learning more enticing than the temptation to cheat.
AI has its benefits, but as it becomes a staple in academia, balancing its use with maintaining academic standards is key to navigating this new frontier.
- How I Use AI to Catch Cheaters at School CNET
- Professor finds a way to see if students used AI to cheat Inside Higher Ed
- Does A.I. Encourage Cheating in Schools? The New Yorker
