The prohibited use of Artificial Intelligence within classrooms can be difficult to manage, recognize, and address. In Sun Prairie, we have clear guidelines on plagiarism with defined actions to be taken if it is suspected. Using AI is no different.
What we aim to do differently is start the process of teaching students how to use and acknowledge AI appropriately, following the guidance given by their teachers. Below, you will find a draft of what we hope to have ready for insertion into a syllabus or for teachers to use with assignments. Feedback is welcome! Be sure to include it in the exit ticket at the end of this training.
We also recognize that to ensure students aren't using AI inappropriately when completing assignments, we might need to reconsider which assignments are suitable in our AI-integrated world and which might need to be adjusted to be "AI-proof." When we return in the fall, we will continue our discussions and training on what this adaptation might look like and how we can continue to learn and adjust alongside the technology.
While AI detection tools can assist in identifying potential cases of plagiarism, they shouldn't be relied upon exclusively for several reasons:
Limitations in Detection: AI detection tools may not always accurately distinguish between AI-generated content and student-written work. These tools might fail to catch cleverly disguised AI use or, conversely, might incorrectly flag legitimate work as suspicious. Since generative AI outputs are unique and generated anew with each prompt, there is no straightforward way to detect plagiarism as there would be if a student copied language from a website that detection tools can review.
Adaptability of AI: As AI technology evolves, it becomes better at mimicking human writing styles, making it increasingly difficult for automated systems to detect its use.
So, what can we do? Here are some strategies to consider if you suspect plagiarism involving AI:
Detailed Knowledge of Students’ Work: Familiarize yourself with each student's writing style and level of performance. This background knowledge can help you spot inconsistencies or sudden shifts in writing quality or style.
In-Class Writing Assignments: Conduct assessments in controlled environments to ensure the work reflects the student’s own abilities. Be aware that students with legal accommodations must still have access to these, regardless of concerns about AI use. Teachers could also use tools like Securly Classroom to monitor student work during class.
Oral Reviews: Engage students in discussions about their submitted work. Ask specific questions about the content, reasoning, and sources. This approach can help verify if the student has a deep understanding of the work they submitted.
Our AI Committee has drafted some Student Guidelines for Generative AI Use. Please take a look and see what we have drafted. You will have the potential to give feedback on the Exit Ticket/Post-Assessment. Please jot down any notes you have and use that form for feedback.