The temptation of mixing generative AI and academics

On Behalf of | Apr 3, 2023 | Student Defense

In many ways, technology enhances learning. The internet, for instance, offers limitless resources. Spell checkers help assure papers maintain grammatical accuracy. Email allows pupils to communicate with professionals from anywhere in the world.

On the flip side, our digital existence facilitates cheating. Text generators, in particular, are a temptation that threatens academic honesty.

What are generative AI tools?

These modern software solutions create automatic text with minimal effort. Users provide inputs about the topic and tone. In turn, operators receive a complete story or report that matches their desires.

ChatGPT is increasingly popular among cheating students, as it fulfills many scholarly functions. Examples include composing music, writing poetry and answering test questions. GPT-4 is one alternative. Microsoft and Google also have their solutions for the text-generating space.

How are teachers looking for generative AI tool usage?

Instructors are becoming increasingly aware of these programs. Many hope to catch students using them by trying the software themselves. If they can quickly reproduce a paper, they know dishonesty is in play.

Tools exist to identify AI-produced material. With openai-detector, all one has to do is copy and paste the passage that needs verification. The checker responds by indicating the likelihood of generative AI being the author. Other options include GPTZero and Gltr.io. Expect more detection tools to become available in the future.

Pupils receiving accusations of employing generative AI are likely to face expulsion. Human error means some suspicions are bound to be off base. A strong defense is necessary to rebuff untrue allegations.

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