Mark Massaro has been teaching English Composition at Florida Southwestern State College for many years. However, in 2023, the landscape of education shifted dramatically. The introduction of AI applications, such as ChatGPT, has led to a surge in academic dishonesty. Many students have started utilizing these tools to write their essays, creating challenges for educators. Massaro has noticed that in a class of 25 students, it’s common for five to submit papers suspected of being AI-generated.
Initially, Massaro used various AI detectors to verify the authenticity of student submissions. However, these tools have since been restricted due to privacy concerns, and their reliability has also come under scrutiny. Now, Massaro relies on his own expertise to identify the signs of AI-generated content. He has developed a checklist of indicators to distinguish between authentic and automated writing, which he shared with Gizmodo, shedding light on the impact of AI on today’s educational environment.
1. An Overuse of Em-Dashes
Excessive use of em-dashes can indicate AI-generated papers. These applications often favor this punctuation mark. Massaro conducts a simple test: if he suspects a paper was drafted by AI, he asks the student to create an em-dash on their computer. If they struggle, it raises a red flag, showing a disconnect between the writing style and the student’s actual proficiency with keyboarding.
2. Lack of Paragraph Indentation
Traditionally, college essays follow specific style guidelines, including paragraph indentations. However, AI-generated content often features unindented paragraphs. If you notice a paper filled with large blocks of text devoid of indents, it may have been produced by a chatbot.
3. Exceptional Grammar but Vague Content
A paper that is flawlessly written yet superficially lacks depth might be a product of algorithmic generation. Massaro explains that AI-generated output tends to exhibit uniform sentence length and an overly formal tone, lacking the personal touch one would expect in a student’s work.
4. No Evidence of Drafting Process
A significant warning sign is the absence of engagement in in-class drafting activities. Massaro incorporates peer reviews and conferences in his classes. If a student claims to have attended tutoring but delivers an essay that seems disconnected from any prior drafts, this could suggest they’ve taken other shortcuts.
5. Impersonal Writing Style
In assignments that call for personal reflections, authentic student experiences will often include unique anecdotes and details. An AI-generated essay, however, might overly generalize topics. For instance, a student writing about their job at a local convenience store would naturally highlight personal experiences, whereas an AI might discuss abstract concepts about human connections.
6. Sloppy Submission Practices
In a surprising trend, some students have submitted essays that still contain inputs from the AI prompts. This level of oversight indicates a lack of understanding of the boundaries of academic integrity.
7. Questionable Citations
AI systems are notorious for generating false or misleading references, leading to incorrect citations in students’ papers. This not only complicates the grading process but also requires educators like Massaro to verify every detail, spending extra hours on research to confirm the accuracy of supposed sources.
Confronting a student about potential cheating can be awkward, but Massaro often finds that a guilty student admits to using AI tools, while innocent students tend to deny any wrongdoing. The real concern, he notes, is that this reliance on AI stifles students’ ability to develop their intellectual identities during a crucial time in their educational journey. “This is when they’re supposed to be finding their voice,” he says, lamenting that AI has taken over that crucial role.
How can educators effectively combat AI-assisted cheating? By educating students on the importance of originality and critical thinking, they can be encouraged to express their unique perspectives. Think about how vital it is to foster this intellectual growth and creativity in an age where technology increasingly intrudes on traditional learning.
Have you ever wondered about the long-term effects of AI on writing skills? The implications could be profound, disrupting not just academic environments but also professional communication in the future.
As AI tools continue to evolve, the dialogue surrounding their use in education must remain open. By fostering a culture of integrity and encouraging authentic expression, educators can help students navigate these uncharted waters. For more insights into these pressing issues, be sure to explore more content at Moyens I/O.