Plagiarism in the Age of AI
Plagarism in the Age of AI
AI Authorship
An ethical concern instructors face when evaluating student writing is when students use AI tools to generate content and submit it as their own. This raises questions about authorship, originality, and the integrity of the learning process.
AI is here! How do we teach and access with integrity?
Have an AI Plan
- Set Clear Expectations: Syllabus statement, assignment instructions, etc.
- Establish a Baseline: Collect student writing samples.
- Rubrics as a Shield: Create specific rubrics that reward personal reflection, critical thinking, reflection.
Turnitin as an AI Detector
Turnitin’s AI detection tool can be a helpful starting point for identifying AI-generated text. It uses machine learning to flag patterns typical of AI writing. However, it’s not foolproof - false positives and false negatives can occur, and it doesn’t always account for hybrid writing (where human and AI input are mixed). Educators should use it as one piece of evidence, not a final judgment, and always pair it with their own critical reading and context. Turnitin has many valuable resources to approach AI usage. Click the link for the resources:
Turnitin AI Resources
How to Spot AI
Spotting AI-generated text isn’t always easy -especially with tools like Copilot and ChatGPT producing natural responses. Across academic, administrative, and support roles, you can use clues and strategies to make informed, ethical judgments. Keep in mind: AI detection tools (like Turnitin) aren’t always reliable across writing types. Let’s explore some practical strategies.
Click for audio:
Overly Formal or Polished Tone
Key Differences:
Examples:
Human Written
AI-Generated
Climate change represents one of the most significant global threats to humanity, requiring immediate and coordinated international intervention to mitigate its multifaceted consequences.
Climate change is a huge problem that affects people all over the world. It’s getting harder to ignore, and I believe we all need to start making changes now.
Repetitive or Generic Language
Key Differences:
Examples:
Human Written
AI-Generated
Technology is very helpful in today’s society. People use technology every day. Technology helps people communicate. Technology helps people work. Technology is used all the time.
I rely on my phone and laptop to keep up with school and stay in touch with friends. It’s crazy how fast tech is changing - sometimes I feel like I can’t keep up!
Lack of Critical Thinking
Key Differences:
Examples:
Human Written
AI-Generated
Both sides of the debate made good points. It is important to listen to different opinions. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, and we should respect that.
I disagreed with the argument that surveillance always makes us safer. It reminded me of a podcast I listened to about privacy laws after 9/11. I think safety is important, but not at the cost of basic freedoms.
Use of M-dashes (—)
Key Differences:
Examples:
Human Written
AI-Generated
College success isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about managing time, setting goals, and staying motivated.
If you want to do well in college, you have to manage your time, plan ahead, and push yourself to stay on track.
What is an M-dash?
Inaccurate or Fabricated Sources
Key Differences:
Examples:
Human Written
AI-Generated
"As noted by Peterson (2019), students who engage with digital flashcards retain 40% more information than those who rely on handwritten notes."(No such article or author exists when searched.)
"In a study by Dunlosky et al. (2013), practice testing and distributed practice were found to be among the most effective learning strategies."(Actual source: Dunlosky, J., et al., Psychological Science in the Public Interest)
Rethink Assignments
To make AI misuse less tempting and easier to detect, consider rethinking assignments. Create tasks that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and engagement.
Click on the plus (+) for examples.
Focus on process, not just product
Use unique or timely prompts that AI tools won't know
Require personal or reflective elements
Encourage collaboration and peer feedback
Add multimedia elements
Congratulations, you've completed this activity!
TTT - Plagiarism in the Age of AI
Distance Learning
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Transcript
Plagiarism in the Age of AI
Plagarism in the Age of AI
AI Authorship
An ethical concern instructors face when evaluating student writing is when students use AI tools to generate content and submit it as their own. This raises questions about authorship, originality, and the integrity of the learning process.
AI is here! How do we teach and access with integrity?
Have an AI Plan
Turnitin as an AI Detector
Turnitin’s AI detection tool can be a helpful starting point for identifying AI-generated text. It uses machine learning to flag patterns typical of AI writing. However, it’s not foolproof - false positives and false negatives can occur, and it doesn’t always account for hybrid writing (where human and AI input are mixed). Educators should use it as one piece of evidence, not a final judgment, and always pair it with their own critical reading and context. Turnitin has many valuable resources to approach AI usage. Click the link for the resources:
Turnitin AI Resources
How to Spot AI
Spotting AI-generated text isn’t always easy -especially with tools like Copilot and ChatGPT producing natural responses. Across academic, administrative, and support roles, you can use clues and strategies to make informed, ethical judgments. Keep in mind: AI detection tools (like Turnitin) aren’t always reliable across writing types. Let’s explore some practical strategies.
Click for audio:
Overly Formal or Polished Tone
Key Differences:
Examples:
Human Written
AI-Generated
Climate change represents one of the most significant global threats to humanity, requiring immediate and coordinated international intervention to mitigate its multifaceted consequences.
Climate change is a huge problem that affects people all over the world. It’s getting harder to ignore, and I believe we all need to start making changes now.
Repetitive or Generic Language
Key Differences:
Examples:
Human Written
AI-Generated
Technology is very helpful in today’s society. People use technology every day. Technology helps people communicate. Technology helps people work. Technology is used all the time.
I rely on my phone and laptop to keep up with school and stay in touch with friends. It’s crazy how fast tech is changing - sometimes I feel like I can’t keep up!
Lack of Critical Thinking
Key Differences:
Examples:
Human Written
AI-Generated
Both sides of the debate made good points. It is important to listen to different opinions. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, and we should respect that.
I disagreed with the argument that surveillance always makes us safer. It reminded me of a podcast I listened to about privacy laws after 9/11. I think safety is important, but not at the cost of basic freedoms.
Use of M-dashes (—)
Key Differences:
Examples:
Human Written
AI-Generated
College success isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about managing time, setting goals, and staying motivated.
If you want to do well in college, you have to manage your time, plan ahead, and push yourself to stay on track.
What is an M-dash?
Inaccurate or Fabricated Sources
Key Differences:
Examples:
Human Written
AI-Generated
"As noted by Peterson (2019), students who engage with digital flashcards retain 40% more information than those who rely on handwritten notes."(No such article or author exists when searched.)
"In a study by Dunlosky et al. (2013), practice testing and distributed practice were found to be among the most effective learning strategies."(Actual source: Dunlosky, J., et al., Psychological Science in the Public Interest)
Rethink Assignments
To make AI misuse less tempting and easier to detect, consider rethinking assignments. Create tasks that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and engagement.
Click on the plus (+) for examples.
Focus on process, not just product
Use unique or timely prompts that AI tools won't know
Require personal or reflective elements
Encourage collaboration and peer feedback
Add multimedia elements
Congratulations, you've completed this activity!