In continuing with thinking about the consequences of the widespread use of AI in education, we talked about how we can ensure ethical uses of AI in the classroom, how to avoid plagiarism in a world with AI at our fingertips, and how we can be prepared to deal with such plagiarism instances going forward. I am mostly going to reflect on how we can minimize the risk of plagiarism in our classrooms while still having a place for AI.
After our class discussion and thinking about it, I’ve come to the realization that there will always be a chance for people to plagiarize as long as they have access to an AI tool, and that will only be more true if you don’t allow people the chance to use it at all. For instance, if asked my students to come up with a short story idea all on their own without the use of AI, odds are some students would try to pass off an AI-generated story as their own. But if I tell them they can use AI to generate ideas but that they would be required to A) cite what part / ideas of the text is AI-generated and B) make significant edits to whatever is AI-generated, then this allows the students to use the tool in a controlled, responsible way while teaching them the potential uses for the tool and the importance of citation.
Here is an example of this using ChatGPT.
I would instruct my students to come up with a story that contains i) a central character, ii) a few details about them, iii) their character’s goal, and iv) something about the setting. If they use ChatGPT to generate some ideas, they must cite their input and the AI’s output:
Me: Please give me an idea for a short story. I want to write a short story about a hermit crab named Bongo who is really good at running but wants to become a Broadway actor. The story should be set in 1960s France and should be about 500 words long. Thank you
ChatGPT: Title: “Bongo’s Encore”
Once upon a time in the quaint coastal town of Cannes, France, there lived a hermit crab named Bongo. While his fellow crustaceans were content with the slow pace of sea life, Bongo harbored dreams that went beyond the waves. He yearned for the bright lights of the stage and the applause of an adoring audience. His heart beat to the rhythm of dreams that echoed from Broadway.
It was the vibrant summer of 1965, and Bongo scuttled across the sandy shores with the agility that set him apart from his shell-dwelling comrades. His life wasn’t just about shells and tides; it was about chasing a destiny that shimmered in the distant lights of fame.
One day, while exploring the beach, Bongo stumbled upon a weathered theater poster. The colorful images of dancers in extravagant costumes ignited a spark within him. The poster announced auditions for a grand production, “The Sea’s Symphony,” and Bongo knew he had to seize this opportunity.
The auditions were set to take place at a legendary theater in the heart of Cannes. Bongo, with determination in his heart, embarked on a journey that would take him beyond the familiar comforts of his sandy abode. He scuttled through the narrow streets, drawing curious looks from the locals as he approached the theater doors.
Inside, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Bongo, with his tiny claws and a heart full of dreams, stood before the judges. The esteemed panel included a wise old lobster, a graceful seahorse, and a stern-looking starfish.
Bongo took a deep breath and began to perform. His swift moves were a dance of their own, a ballet of nature’s beauty. The judges were captivated, but skepticism lingered. A hermit crab aspiring to be a Broadway star seemed preposterous.
However, Bongo’s passion was undeniable. He poured his heart into each step, defying the limitations of his shell. The judges, moved by his performance, saw a glimmer of something extraordinary in this little hermit crab.
As the applause erupted, Bongo felt a surge of triumph. His dream was within reach. The judges announced him as a featured performer in “The Sea’s Symphony,” and Bongo’s name echoed through the theater.
Rehearsals were a whirlwind of excitement for Bongo. He adapted to the stage with the same agility that made him a swift runner on the beach. The other sea creatures marveled at his dedication, and soon Bongo became a symbol of pursuing one’s dreams against all odds.
The opening night arrived, and the theater buzzed with anticipation. Bongo, adorned in a tiny, shimmering costume, took center stage. The lights bathed him in a warm glow as he danced, twirled, and leaped across the stage, leaving the audience in awe.
As the final curtain fell, the applause was thunderous. Bongo, the hermit crab from the shores of Cannes, had not only fulfilled his dream but had become a sensation. The once skeptical crowd now celebrated him as the star of the show.
And so, in the summer of 1965, Bongo the hermit crab proved that dreams, no matter how unlikely, could come true. His encore echoed through the annals of the sea, inspiring generations of sea creatures to chase their own dreams, no matter how grand or unusual they may seem.
This is an example of an outline of a story I could get my students to “come up with” using AI, but I would expect them to go on to edit elements of the story to make it their own. AI can therefore be used as a tool for generating ideas, but it is still expected that they re-work the output and make it their own in some way and they must cite what they input into an AI tool and what the output is.