AI Apps: AI Text Detection

No detection technology on the market at present can determine with absolute certainty that text is or is not written by artificial intelligence. Pedagogical adjustments such as leveraging authentic assessment and/or providing multiple means of students representing their learning are preferred. If utilizing any detection tool, its results should only be taken as a means of approaching students to engage in dialogue rather than leverage for disciplinary action. It’s worth noting these tools usually determine its findings as “most likely written by AI” or “highly confident” rather than declaring it with certainty.

If you still wish to use an AI detection tool with the above in mind, consider trying the following free and paid options:

• GPTZero: Free, 5000 character limit per inquiry.
• ZeroGPT: Free, 15,000 character limit per inquiry.
• Originality.ai: Available only by subscription with a credit-based model (not unlimited use)
• Copyleaks: Available only by subscription with a credit-based model (not unlimited use)

Some questions to ponder when using these tools include (adapted from Bowen & Watson, 2024):

• Should AI detection be allowed in your academic integrity policies and procedures?
• Considering the student mental health crisis and the damage false accusations can incur, under what circumstances would it be ethical to utilize tools that have a record of false positives? What is your personal acceptable level?
• At what threshold of AI detector probability score and in what context would you consider student work to be AI assisted?
• How will you use the data generated by an AI text detector?

Alternatively, leveraging proctoring software is an alternative method to mitigate the use of AI in an in-person classroom environment. Proctoring tools are less effective in online courses where students are taking exams at home with access to other devices. The following tools are available in Canvas:

• Respondus LockDown Browser is a viable tool for proctored environments. It disables copy/paste, screenshotting, and the ability to shift between applications while taking an exam.
• Respondus Monitor, an add-on component which can only be used in conjunction with LockDown Browser, requires students to use a webcam and can be optimal for remotely proctored exams.