After more than a year in the generative AI “evolution”, academic integrity continues to be a top concern teachers bring up in my workshops. I know there are already a lot ideas for “AI-Resistant” assessment out there, but I think it takes a multi-faceted approach to solve the AI as a cheat-bot dilemma. Below is a summary of a blog I wrote on this very topic. Check out the full post here but here are some highlights:
Why do students cheat?
This to me is the most essential question we as educators should be asking ourselves. It’s a question that quite honestly most of us want to avoid because it causes us to reflect on our practices. Here are just a few examples a recent group of high schools students (who prefer to remain anonymous) shared with me as to why they cheat:
- Pressure to get the grade
- Lack of interest in the topic
- Lack of motivation or laziness
- Lack of understanding
- Risk-taking behavior can be exciting
How prevalent is cheating now with AI?
According to research from Stanford University released this past fall, the proclivity for students to cheat has remained constant even with the introduction of AI. While their research shows that nearly 70% of students admit to cutting a corner at some point, that number is the same before the introduction of ChatGPT as it was after.
Could blocking AI tools cause an equity issue?
Not every student has funds to pay for a tutor or has access to a helpful parent at home. When we ban a tool that can help with editing, reviewing, brainstorming and tutoring, we create a major equity gap between those “societally acceptable” solutions (like tutors and parent help) vs. those we see as cheating (such as using AI). That said, below are 3 different solutions that could help with AI and cheating.
1. What if…we shifted our focus from final product to learning process?
The truth is, we should be evaluating the final product AND the learning process. If we shift a little bit of energy in our grading practices in evaluating the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of student learning rather than the ‘what’, we make cheating obsolete.
2. What if…we asked students to show their learning process?
Educators are already facing a shortage of time in their day-to-day teaching life. Grading a final product is the quick and easy way to check a box for student learning, even it it’s not the best way. However, they could utilize free tools like the Google extension Learnics, and have students “capture” part of their learning process and then submit that along with their final product to prove their own learning.
3. What if…we asked students to use AI as part of the learning cycle?
If we empower our students to be transparent with their use of AI during different situations when learning, it makes cheating less of an issue. Integrating AI into the learning cycle rather than blocking it will help scaffold the appropriate use of it going forward. I recently finished another blog post on this topic (4 Ways to Integrate AI) and think ideas like these will be the future in terms of how we thoughtfully utilize AI while still learning foundational concepts.
Carl Hooker is an international speaker and trainer. He works with schools and events across the country to thoughtfully integrate tools like AI into learning. His latest book Learning Evolution shares several examples, strategies and ideas like this one. If you are interested in booking Carl for your next event or professional development day, fill out this speaking form to get more information.
