Academic Integrity

No, at this time, although this software is typically very accurate, no AI detection has been proven to be 100% successful. Often, students with unique writing styles or those who speak English as a second language are flagged at a disproportionate rate. Faculty should review flagged content carefully and consider contextual factors before making determinations about academic integrity violations.

Maintaining open communication and a fair evaluation process is crucial in these situations. When Copyleaks flags an assignment as AI-generated, we suggest the faculty initiate a conversation with the student to discuss the concerns and gather more context. Often, a one-on-one conversation that asks the student to explain their writing process can be very informative.  The faculty could also request rough drafts or a Google Docs version history of the assignments, or could request other writing samples to compare the student's writing style to that of the submitted assignment.  If the faculty member is still uncertain whether AI was used, we suggest a non-punitive resolution, such as resubmission of the assignment.

CFCC currently maintains a site license for LockDown Browser 4.0 and a very limited license for Monitor, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Faculty should plan accordingly when requiring proctored assessments to ensure access to the necessary tools. 

Keep in mind that we only support the CFCC Canvas integration of Respondus. Some third-party platforms, such as Pearson and McGraw Hill, offer the option to enable Respondus Lockdown Browser however, these versions require students to download a separate instance of the software that is not associated with CFCC. Since students using school-issued laptops do not have administrative privileges to install software, they are unable to successfully launch these external versions.

For a seamless experience, faculty should ensure that all proctoring is conducted through the Canvas-integrated version of Lockdown Browser. If you'd like to move your tests from third-party platforms into Canvas, please reach out to Online Learning for assistance.

LockDown Browser restricts a student’s ability to navigate away from an exam by freezing their screen and preventing access to other tabs or applications. Respondus Monitor adds an additional layer of security by using the student’s webcam for remote proctoring.

As a reminder, CFCC maintains a site license for LockDown Browser 4.0, while access to Monitor is very limited and reserved for approved Math and Science courses only.

AI is part of our current educational landscape, and we must accept that there is no foolproof way to prevent students from accessing it. The best solution to academic integrity challenges, including the rise of AI, is to redesign courses to reflect the evolving landscape of education and society. Shifting away from traditional essays and discussion boards and incorporating more project-based learning, creative assignments, and demonstrations of mastery can lead to more meaningful assessments. These approaches encourage critical thinking, originality, and applied knowledge, making it more difficult for students to rely on AI-generated content while also enhancing their engagement and skill development.