Artificial Intelligence and Cheating: A New Challenge for Educator and how to detect ai writing.

Cheating has long been a challenge in education but in 2025 it has taken on a new form. Today students have access to advanced artificial intelligence AI tools that can complete assignments in a matter of seconds. Gone are the days when students relied on questionable essay writing services paying hefty amounts for a 1,200 word essay. Now AI tools like ChatGPT Grammarly and Essay Genius omplish the same task for free and in record time.

How to Identify AI Generated Work

As a professor of strategic communications I’ve observed that it’s usually easy to spot assignments written using AI tools. Some common signs include.

Ambiguous Language: AI generated text often lacks the clarity and flow found in human writing.

Repetition of Prompts: AI has a tendency to echo the assignment prompt repeatedly something that is rarely seen in genuine student work.

Lack of Natural Creativity: AI tends to use overly formal language or unnecessary explanations which can make the text seem mechanical.



Can Teachers Use AI to Catch AI Generated Work?

Yes teachers can counteract AI generated cheating using AI tools themselves. Here are some effective strategies for educators to identify AI generated work.

1. Understand AI Tools

With the increasing prevalence of AI in education it’s crucial for teachers to familiarize themselves with how these tools work. Tools like ChatGPT Turnitin AI Detection and Copy leaks can help identify AI generated text in student assignments.

2. Adopt Students’ Methods

Before the semester begins copy your assignment prompts into tools like ChatGPT and observe how the AI responds. By studying these AI generated responses you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the patterns and styles typical of AI writing.

3. Collect Samples of Students’ Writing Style

To better detect discrepancies ask students to submit a short personal writing sample at the start of the semester. Examples of prompts include. Write 200 words about your favorite childhood toy.

Tell a story about the most memorable day of your life. These samples will serve as a baseline to compare with future submissions.



4. Request a Rewrite

If you suspect a student has used AI take their submitted work and input it into an AI tool asking for a rewrite. In most cases AI will rephrase its own content lazily merely swapping synonyms without altering the structure or depth of the text.

5. Use AI Detection Tools

Several AI detection tools are available to help educators verify whether an assignment is AI generated some popular options include.

Originality.AI

Copyscape

Turnitin AI Detector

These tools can analyze text deeply to identify patterns indicative of AI authorship.

The Ethical Side of Detecting AI Created Work

It’s essential for educators to not only detect cheating but also address its root causes. Students should be educated on the ethical implications of misusing AI tools and the value of developing their own writing and critical thinking skills. AI has revolutionized the way assignments can be completed making cheating easier and faster. However it’s equally possible to counter this challenge by understanding these tools analyzing students’ natural writing abilities and using advanced detection methods. By fostering a culture of ethics and accountability educators can effectively tackle the challenges posed by AI assisted cheating.