Innovative Methods Developed by Professors for Assignments to Counter ChatGPT

**How College Professors are “ChatGPT-Proofing” Assignments to Curb Cheating**

In recent months, college professors have been grappling with the issue of students using OpenAI’s ChatGPT to cheat and plagiarize on their assignments. As concerns grow about the impact of AI on academic integrity, educators are exploring ways to make their assignments “ChatGPT-proof.” By implementing strategies such as returning to paper exams and requiring students to show their editing histories, professors hope to discourage students from relying on AI shortcuts and ensure that they are truly engaging in the learning process.

One approach being taken by Bonnie MacKellar, a computer science professor at St. Johns University, is to shift back to paper exams and have students handwrite their code. This change emphasizes the importance of logical thinking and reduces the temptation to outsource critical thinking to AI. MacKellar believes that relying too heavily on AI could hinder students’ learning and leave them ill-prepared for more advanced computer science courses in the future. This sentiment is echoed by colleagues in humanities courses, who are also opting for traditional pen-and-paper exams.

Another strategy employed by professors is to reframe assignment questions in a way that requires students to “show their work.” William Hart-Davidson, an associate dean at Michigan State University, suggests that questions should prompt students to be explicit and reflective about their reasoning and decision-making processes. Rather than simply regurgitating information provided by a chatbot, students are encouraged to think critically and explain their thought process. By doing so, they develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and improve their writing skills.

To further combat AI cheating, some professors advocate for students to include their editing history and drafts alongside their completed assignments. This documentation serves as evidence that a human, rather than an AI, was responsible for the work. Additionally, teachers may eliminate essays altogether, opt for impromptu oral exams, or foster classroom discussions on how best to utilize the chatbot’s responses, as suggested by a guide from Butler University.

These changes to assignments reflect the ongoing debate surrounding the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT in educational settings. While some professors encourage the use of AI to generate project ideas, others have banned its usage altogether to prevent academic dishonesty. Finding the right balance between leveraging AI’s benefits and preserving academic integrity is a challenge that educators continue to grapple with.

Interestingly, some teachers have embraced AI chatbots to enhance their own workflows. Shannon Ahern, a high school math and science teacher in Dublin, Ireland, has utilized ChatGPT Plus to write lesson plans, generate exercise worksheets, and even create quiz questions. This time-saving tool has proven invaluable in streamlining her teaching responsibilities.

Despite concerns about cheating, some educators believe that AI is merely a new tool that students can employ, much like traditional methods of academic dishonesty. Ahern suggests that while the technology may make cheating more sophisticated, students have always found ways to cheat throughout history.

In conclusion, college professors are adapting their assignments to prevent cheating facilitated by AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT. Through measures such as paper exams, reframing questions to encourage critical thinking, and requiring students to show their editing histories, educators aim to maintain academic integrity and foster genuine learning experiences. As the role of AI in education continues to evolve, striking a balance between leveraging its advantages and upholding ethical standards remains a key challenge for educators.

**Editor Notes**

It is heartening to see that college professors are actively addressing the challenges posed by AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT in the realm of academic integrity. By taking steps to “ChatGPT-proof” assignments, educators are ensuring that students engage in true learning experiences and develop essential cognitive skills. It is crucial to strike a balance between embracing AI technology for its benefits and maintaining the integrity of the educational system.

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