ChatGPT is an online chatbot designed to generate answers using artificial intelligence. It may be able to create a poem or essay on command, but should not be mistaken for humans producing quality, comprehensive work.  

Before the emergence of ChatGPT, many outside tools were being used for homework like Quizlet and Course Hero. There is a growing concern that AI tools such as ChatGPT could be used by students to cheat. How will teachers be able to navigate this?  

Danielle Steele, humanities chair of the English division, said if she realizes that an in-class created thesis or student-submitted outline does not match the final product, it would alert her to investigate the authenticity of the assignment.

“I read everything students write, so I get to know their voice and can recognize when things are written in a different voice,” Danielle Steele, humanities chair of the English division, said. If she realizes that an in-class created thesis or student-submitted outline does not match the final product, it would alert her to investigate the authenticity of the assignment.

It is not always clear when students seek help with their work, but it is important to note that ChatGPT does not always produce proficient writing. It is often obvious when text is AI-generated because it is void of any human personality, making it as easy to pick out as an online spam bot.

I believe educators will have to create unique assignments for students to reduce the abuse of these tools.

“The goal when I build most of my assessments and courses is to create something where a student would not need to cheat,” Zac Johnston, professor of mathematics, said. He added that he will have to modify his assessments or increase the number of proctored, in-person assessments when ChatGPT becomes more accurate in solving math problems. 

It is important for teachers to try and incorporate these tools for in-class assignments so that students know professors are aware these tools exist. 

“Instead of banning it or policing its use, I am looking for ways to integrate it as another tool for writing,” Charles Grimm, professor of English, said. He added he has used it in his English composition classes by giving it prompts to write, and several students were surprised at the points it used that could help the students generate ideas. 

ChatGPT is only one of many instances of AI emerging to reduce human efforts. Students have and will continue to find ways to cheat and make assignments easier for themselves. 

I do not use ChatGPT because I prefer to understand what I am doing and I know that I’ve worked hard for the grade I will receive.  

Students must decide if it is worth gaining the skills for the future or do they simply want to breeze their way through passing a class at the risk of getting caught and failing.