We’re hearing from instructors who are concerned about students using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or BingChat to take shortcuts in their learning. Instructors worry students are using the tool to develop responses to assignments and are not making any effort to learn the material. A few have asked about using detection tools to determine if a student’s work was not their own.
AI Detection
Unicheck, Chemeketa’s current plagiarism checker, does not have AI detection capabilities. However, it was recently acquired by Turnitin which has some AI detection features. We are currently evaluating our license and the costs associated with migrating to an upgraded version with Turnitin.
Outside of Turnitin, standalone AI detectors exist, but they are not particularly reliable. Early research indicates that AI detectors tend to be about 60% accurate on average. They may flag a piece of writing as likely being AI-generated, but this should not be treated as unquestionable evidence of cheating. Other evidence of plagiarism should be noted, such as phrasings that are unusual for the student’s typical writing style, incorrect or fabricated sources in the works cited, strange formatting changes, or the inclusion of concepts well beyond the level of the class.
If you decide to use an external AI detector such as GPTZero, be mindful of FERPA rules and do not include any student’s personal identifying information with your queries.
Addressing Concerns with Students
A writing sample that has been flagged as likely AI-generated should initiate an interactive process between you and your student much like any other academic honesty concern situation. If you suspect a student’s assignment was largely generated through artificial means, do not accuse the student of any wrongdoing, but tell them upfront about your suspicion and that you want to talk to them about it. Tell them you would like to discuss what their approach was to completing your assignment. Remind them that their learning and personal growth is your main concern. For further assistance, talk to your dean and program chair.
Update Your Syllabus
We have updated the academic integrity syllabus statement to include additional information defining plagiarism as the unauthorized use of generative artificial intelligence. Please add this information to your syllabus.
Finally, more guidance is on its way. A work group will develop recommendations for the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and the Academic Standards Council in fall. If you are interested in joining this work group, contact Layli Liss, layli.liss@chemeketa.edu.