AI Detection: A Cat-and-Mouse Game Between Developers and Educators

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many industries, and education is no exception. AI-powered tools can help students learn more effectively and efficiently, but they also raise concerns about plagiarism and cheating.

One of the most popular AI tools for students is ChatGPT, a large language model that can generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. ChatGPT is so powerful that it can be used to generate high-quality essays, reports, and other academic assignments.

However, the popularity of ChatGPT has also led to the development of AI detection tools. These tools are designed to identify text that has been generated by AI, and they are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

In the Wired article "The AI Detection Arms Race is on," authored by Christopher Beam explores the ethical implications of AI detection tools. He argues that these tools could be used to unfairly target students who are using AI tools for legitimate purposes, such as research or creative writing.

One such tool is GPTZero—the “zero” signaled truth, a return to basics.

Beam also writes that AI detection tools could lead to a "cat-and-mouse game" between AI developers and educators. As AI developers improve their tools to make them more undetectable, educators will need to develop new ways to identify AI-generated text.

The Future of AI Detection

The future of AI detection is uncertain. It is possible that AI developers will eventually create AI tools that are undetectable by any known method. However, it is also possible that educators will develop new ways to identify AI-generated text, such as by using human-powered reviews or by developing new AI-powered tools.

What Educators Can Do

In the meantime, there are a number of things that educators can do to address the challenges posed by AI detection tools. First, they can educate students about the ethical implications of using AI tools. Second, they can develop assignments that are more difficult to automate, such as assignments that require critical thinking and creativity. Third, they can use multiple methods to assess student work, such as rubrics, portfolios, and presentations.

It is important to remember that AI detection tools are just one tool in the fight against plagiarism and cheating. Educators should not rely solely on these tools to identify students who are misbehaving. Instead, they should take a holistic approach to assessment and focus on creating a learning environment where students are motivated to produce original work.

Does it Work?

We tested GPTZero with an article we wrote on October 12, 2022: Part 2 - The Promise of Hydrogen. Either we write like an AI, or the tool simply is not “intelligent'“ - which is the misnomer for all of AI. Ai is like a dog: it’s always happy to see you, but it’s not the smartest creature in the room. But give it and try and let us know what works, doesn’t work for you.