There was a time when students used to copy and paste or pay someone to write for their assignments/projects. Now, with sophisticated AI tools such as Chat GPT, they just need an account and a prompt to generate a pretty solid piece of writing. 

As AI chatbot technology continues to evolve, it poses a challenge to educators who worry that students may be able to cheat on tests or assignments through these tools.

In fact, Chat GPT just got banned in Bangalore Colleges and US Schools. https://www.gadgetsnow.com/slideshows/chatgpt-banned-in-bengaluru-colleges-us-schools-9-key-things-to-know/photolist/97430636.cms. 

On the one hand, I empathize with all of the concerns and banning. On the other hand, I wonder if fear or ban is the answer. What if we consider, looking at a new perspective on new technology and approach this differently? Similar to the formerly maligned but now ubiquitous calculator, are AI tools like Chat GPT just the dawning of a new kind of writing tool? 

We don’t have all of the answers yet, but keeping in mind the ever-growing list of technological developments, let’s be open towards our transition from fear to acceptance of them. Thus, it could be a good idea to invite students to explore and evaluate these tools along with us. Examining and discussing these new developments with our students will not only help our students understand the potential use and limitations of these tools, but also think about the broader context and impact of tools that can fundamentally alter the way we do things.

As a teacher, it’s important to take proactive steps to discourage this behavior and create a culture of academic integrity. 

Here are seven steps you can take:

• Educate Students about Cheating: It’s crucial to educate students about the implications of using AI tools for academic purposes and explain why it’s not acceptable. Show students examples of essays generated from a variety of prompts and have them dissect the strengths and weaknesses of the writing. Highlight on what is missing?
• Given that the software takes information and text from all over the internet, what are the ethics involved? Is the program stealing the intellectual property of others? This could be the next topic of debate/class discussion/ writing assignment for your students.
• Use formative assessments & in-class writing exercises to help students learn those valuable creative writing skills that are gradually being lost to AI.
• Establish Clear Policies: Establish clear policies regarding the use of AI tools during exams and other assessments. Make sure students understand that using chatbots for cheating is a serious violation of academic integrity and can result in consequences such as failing the assignment or the course.
• Encourage Authentic Work: Encourage students to engage in authentic and original work by assigning projects and assessments that require critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. When students are challenged to think for themselves, they are less likely to resort to cheating. 
• Have students dig into the FAQ https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6783457-chatgpt-faq  to discuss the other risks that Chat GPT’s programmers identify. The FAQ section clearly states that – Chat GPT can occasionally produce incorrect answers. Chat GPT will occasionally make up facts or “hallucinate” outputs.
• Foster a Culture of Integrity: Encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and academic success. Foster a culture of academic integrity by recognizing and rewarding students who engage in ethical and responsible behavior.

By taking these seven steps, teachers can create an environment that discourages students from using AI tools such as chatbots for cheating and instead fosters a culture of academic integrity.