AI Cheating: What Should Teachers Do?

AI Cheating: A Growing Challenge for Educators

The rise of AI cheating in educational settings has become a pressing concern for teachers, particularly in the humanities. As generative AI tools become more accessible, students are increasingly turning to AI-generated content for assignments, raising questions about academic integrity and the effectiveness of traditional classroom policies.

A university teaching assistant recently highlighted this issue, noting the difficulty of enforcing rules against AI use without generating false accusations or alienating students. This dilemma underscores the need for educators to rethink their approach to AI in the classroom, balancing enforcement with the cultivation of a supportive learning environment.

The Role of Humanities Education

To address AI cheating, educators must first consider the core purpose of humanities education. While STEM fields often emphasize tangible outputs like products or research, humanities departments traditionally focus on the development of students as individuals. This philosophy, known as the "formation of human persons," prioritizes character development over utilitarian goals.

Philosopher Megan Fritts argues that the true aim of humanities education is to cultivate virtues such as critical thinking, empathy, and ethical reasoning. Generative AI, however, threatens to undermine this process by reducing assignments to mere outputs, bypassing the cognitive exercise essential for personal growth.

Adding Friction to Foster Practical Wisdom

One solution to combat AI cheating is to introduce "friction" into educational processes. Philosopher of technology Shannon Vallor suggests that cognitive exercise is vital for developing practical wisdom, or phronesis—the ability to make sound judgments in complex situations. By adding friction, educators can encourage students to engage more deeply with their work, fostering deliberation and critical thinking.

For example, instead of implementing a strict "no AI" policy, teachers could allow students to use AI tools but require them to reflect on their choices. A reflection piece explaining how AI influenced their thinking could help students develop metacognitive skills, understanding the limitations and ethical implications of AI use.

The Future of AI in Education

Generative AI presents both challenges and opportunities for education. While it threatens traditional assessment methods, it also offers new ways to engage students in discussions about technology and ethics. Educators must adapt to these changes, focusing on how AI can be integrated into the learning process to enhance, rather than replace, human effort.

Ultimately, the humanities have always been about more than just knowledge acquisition; they are about the formation of well-rounded individuals. By embracing AI as a tool for reflection and growth, teachers can help students navigate the complexities of the modern world while staying true to the core values of humanities education.