College Learner Voices Concern over Installed Software Sanctioning AI for Essay Composition
In the realm of academia, a heated debate has been unfolding regarding the use of AI-detecting software in colleges and universities. The latest addition to this discussion is a new tool called GPTZero, which has been implemented by some institutions to curb the use of AI in student essays.
A student named Sawyer recently posted a TikTok video expressing his concerns about GPTZero. According to Sawyer, the software analyses not only the final product but also the writing process, including additions and removals of text, and can detect if large chunks of text were copied from an AI chatbot. However, concerns have been raised about the software's potential to wrongly accuse students, particularly in cases where AI-generated content has been paraphrased or edited by students.
The use of AI in college essays is no longer an outlier, but the norm, even starting in high school. This shift has led to concerns among psychologists like Robert Sternberg at Cornell University, who fear that AI may already be compromising human creativity and intelligence. Troy Jollimore, a poet, philosopher, and Cal State Chico ethics professor, has expressed similar concerns, stating that students may graduate illiterate and historically illiterate.
On the other hand, proponents of AI-detecting software argue that it supports academic integrity by identifying AI-generated content that might constitute plagiarism or unauthorized assistance, maintaining fairness in student evaluations. Tools like Turnitin, which are now better integrated with platforms such as Canvas and Blackboard, offer streamlined access for educators to check AI use along with plagiarism, thus facilitating ease of use for instructors and institutions.
Advances in detection technology enable these tools to identify AI-generated text increasingly well, aiding educators in distinguishing original work from automated content. Different products cater to various needs, allowing institutions to select compatible tools. However, critics argue that the financial burden of licensing, integrating, and maintaining AI detection software can be substantial, particularly for smaller or underfunded institutions, contributing to educational inequalities.
Furthermore, concerns about student data privacy and consent have been raised, as detection often requires analyzing student submissions deeply, potentially creating distrust. Dependence on AI detection risks undermining trust between students and educators and may inadvertently encourage a punitive environment rather than fostering responsible AI use and critical thinking.
As AI tools become commonplace for legitimate learning assistance, rigid application of detection software may penalize acceptable uses, complicating educational policy and pedagogy. Some argue that the money spent on AI-detecting software could be better spent on training for professors and teachers, or creating guidelines for AI usage in student writing.
The debate over AI-detecting software in higher education is complex and multifaceted. While it aids colleges and universities in preserving originality and combating plagiarism facilitated by AI, challenges related to detection accuracy, costs, privacy, and educational equity highlight the need for balanced, thoughtful implementation combined with updated academic policies and ongoing dialogue on AI’s role in education.
Despite these challenges, many TikTok users have shown support for the software's implementation, with some joking about having to write their own papers and do their own research for college. However, it is crucial to remember that the ultimate goal should be to nurture critical thinking skills and foster an environment that encourages original thought and creativity.
In the realm of education-and-self-development, psychologists like Robert Sternberg at Cornell University are concerned that the widespread use of AI in college essays could be compromising human creativity and intelligence. On the other hand, technology advances, such as AI-detecting software like GPTZero, aim to promote education by maintaining academic integrity and identifying AI-generated content that may constitute plagiarism or unauthorized assistance.
