»Teaching with AI

AI detection tools 

AI detection tools are not very reliable and false positives are very common. You can try recreating the potentially AI-generated part of the report by entering prompts similar to what the student likely entered. Chat-GPT, specifically, repeatedly uses the same sentences. You can also compare language to previous assignments, examine the content, etc. However, your gut and experience will serve you most reliably in detecting unauthorized AI use.

Why should we use/teach AI? 

Some people are hesitant about the use or even discussion of AI in their classrooms (other than “you are not allowed to use it at all”). However, these tools are here, and they are here to stay. Back in the day, my elementary school teacher told my class that we had to learn how to do math in your head because “you’re not going to have a calculator with you at all times.” Yet now we have devices more powerful than the computer that put the first people on the moon in our pockets at all times! Times change and fighting change and progress never ends well (plus, what purpose does that serve?).

It is our responsibility to teach our students how to properly use the tools available to them, and how to use them ethically. Ignoring or forbidding it is not the answer and, if anything, does them a disservice. They are going to use it anyway, and us teaching them about it does not make them use it; it just teaches them how to do it correctly and ethically. If we do not guide them, they will learn from their fellow students or the internet. Or they won’t learn how to use AI at all and be at a significant disadvantage when they eventually find themselves on the job market lacking critical skills. Our main task as instructors is to help them develop critical thinking skills – these skills are more important and relevant than ever when it comes to AI!

AI challenges look different across different disciplines

Different disciplines bring with them different AI challenges. For example, English will face different challenges than Computer Science. Have conversations with colleagues in your department/discipline to brainstorm how to address challenges unique to your program.

Below are some useful links with relevant tips:

Ideas for how to teach and/or change your teaching

Opportunities and challenges

Discussions

  • You can also find many videos of her speaking on this topic on YouTube, including on her own account