AI is here, and it is very obviously having an enormous impact on coursework. This page is designed to help you rethink your assignments to better serve you and your students.
Should I use an AI detection tool to prevent AI use?
Using an AI detection tool is not a recommended method of mitigating AI use in the classroom. AI detectors cannot reliably distinguish between AI-generated output and human-authored text. In addition, AI detection tools unfairly impact certain students. Researchers at Stanford have also shown that AI detectors tend to misidentify text written by English language learners and neurodivergent learners as generated by AI. AI detectors are unreliable because most AI tools are trained to outsmart automated forms of detection as part of the training process.
How can I prevent students from using AI in their assignments, then?
There are a few strategies you can utilize to discourage AI writing in your assignments. Keep in mind: it may not be possible to make an assignment that is fully AI-proof. Check out the following resources for some helpful strategies:
Additionally, we also recommend that you consider the exact opposite approach: ask students to use AI tools in their assignments, instead of trying to prevent AI use.
Why should I create assignments that ask students to use AI?
You're setting your students up for success in the reality of their future scholastic and career landscapes. Students will undoubtedly be using AI in their work in every field. Showing them how to use generative AI tools effectively to write and do other tasks will allow them to succeed beyond the classroom.