Last Updated Summer 2023
AI Detection Programs
Keep in mind that AI “detection” programs can only indicate the likelihood that a given text was written by artificial intelligence. They cannot say for certain that the text is AI generated, and they certainly can’t find or match a specific text against its source material, the way tools like Turnitin.com can for plagiarized material. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use AI detectors as the basis of an academic misconduct charge, but it’s important to understand their limitations.
Furthermore, a recent study by a team from Stanford University found that AI detection programs are heavily biased against non-native English students, with a false positive rate of up to 61%. As such, instructors should use extreme caution when using these tools to assess student writing.
GPT Zero: independently run program that purports to detect AI-written text.
AI Text Classifier [Open AI]: program created and maintained by Open AI, the company behind ChatGPT. Anecdotal evidence indicates that it’s a bit more reliable than GPTZero.
Carleton College Resources
Academic Integrity Policy: Carleton’s official policy on academic integrity (last revised in 2021) does not explicitly mention AI, but the existing language still provides a foundation that would allow instructors to restrict or prohibit students’ use of AI in their courses. Faculty are encouraged to review this policy with their students and to specify the way key phrases such as “it is assumed that a student is the author of all course work” apply to students’ use of AI in the specific context of their course.
Form for Reporting Academic Integrity Violations: on the website of the Academic Standing Committee.
Advice for Faculty on Working with AI: maintained by the Carleton WAC program, this site includes pages on writing AI course policies, creating AI-resistant and AI-inclusive assignments, and the ethical issues around AI. If you’re logged into your faculty account, you can also access a small (but growing!) archive of sample policies and assignments.
Understanding Plagiarism Website: also maintained by the WAC program, this site is designed as a tool for instructors to help discuss issues of plagiarism in your classes. It now includes a page intended to get students thinking about the academic integrity issues raised by AI tools.
AI Community of Practice: online forum for a diverse group of faculty and staff interested in discussing AI tools and their effect on our work with students. All Carleton faculty and staff are welcome to join.
External Resources:
AI in Higher Education Metasite: maintained by Ray Schroeder, emeritus faculty from University of Illinois Springfield and a regular contributor to Inside Higher Education.
Futurepedia: a frequently updated directory of AI tools available to the public.
Classroom Policies for AI Generative Tools: an extensive (though somewhat uneven in quality), open-source list of policies by college instructors.