How Can Teachers Detect AI?

Signs of AI Usage from a Student

Common Words and Phrases Used By AI

Some AI users have noticed the same few words appearing over and over in their AI generated texts. Phrases such as "transformative" or "embark on a journey" are a few examples of common AI-generated phrases. The tone in AI-generated texts also tend to be slightly more formal than a person's natural writing style.

Drastic Changes in Writing Style

A significant shift in a student's writing style can be a strong indicator of AI usage. If a student's work has historically showcased a particular tone or writing style, and new submissions starkly contrast these without a clear progression, heavy AI usage may be an explanation. This could manifest as a change in vocabulary, sentence structure complexity, or even the depth of analysis presented.

Typing History as a Clue

One pragmatic approach to gauging the authenticity of a student's work is examining the typing history in collaborative platforms like Google Docs. An organic writing process usually involves gradual development: sentences are formed, edited, and expanded over time. However, if a student's document history shows large blocks of text appearing instantaneously or in very short spans of time, this might suggest that the content was generated elsewhere and pasted in, potentially indicating AI usage.

The Impossibility of Sure AI Usage Detection

Despite claims from numerous companies about their AI detection tools, the reality is far more complex. Consider a scenario where a student generates a paragraph using AI but then meticulously edits it over time, infusing their thoughts, restructuring sentences, and modifying the content. This evolution blurs the lines between AI-generated and human-edited content, making the origin "AI or not" increasingly nebulous. Where do we draw the line? This question often remains unanswered, highlighting the intrinsic challenges in detecting AI-generated content definitively. We recommend that teachers take AI-detection tools with a big grain of salt.

While there are signals that can hint at AI usage, such as the ones mentioned above, these are far from definitive, and concluding AI usage based on them alone is premature. The complexity of AI-generated content and the ease with which it can be edited make it challenging to pinpoint AI usage with certainty.

So What's a Teacher To Do?

Educators are recognizing the need to move past resistance and towards acceptance in the use of AI by students. The emphasis should be on encouraging ethical engagement with AI, where students are taught to use these tools to enhance their learning while maintaining academic integrity through proper citation of AI-generated content. This approach not only prepares students for a future intertwined with AI but also upholds the values of original thought and critical analysis. Reverting to traditional methods like pen-and-paper assignments in class can also offer a foolproof assessment strategy, allowing teachers to closely observe and nurture the development of students' skills.