Hey everyone,
I’m thinking about using Google Docs to make it harder for students to use AI in their essays. Has anyone tried this?
My idea is to have students create their essays in Google Docs and share them with me as an editor. This way, I can see when they’re working on it and how long they spend writing.
I’m hoping this will make it easier to spot if someone’s just copying and pasting AI-generated text. The version history feature could be really useful for this.
What do you think? Would this work? Are there any downsides I’m not seeing?
Also, if anyone has other tips for preventing AI use in essays, I’d love to hear them. Thanks!
I’ve experimented with a similar approach in my classes, and while it has some merits, it’s not without challenges. The version history in Google Docs can indeed provide insights into the writing process, but it’s not foolproof. Tech-savvy students might find workarounds, like drafting elsewhere and pasting in chunks.
One unexpected benefit I found was that it encouraged more ongoing communication between me and my students. I could leave comments and suggestions throughout their writing process, which many appreciated. However, some students felt it added pressure and stifled their creativity.
Ultimately, I’ve found that fostering a culture of academic integrity and critical thinking is more effective than technological solutions alone. Combining Google Docs with in-class writing exercises, peer reviews, and discussions about the importance of original work has yielded better results in my experience.
While Google Docs can provide some oversight, it’s not a silver bullet for preventing AI usage. Students could still draft elsewhere and paste into Docs, or use AI tools in real-time alongside their writing. Additionally, this approach might create undue stress and impact students’ natural writing process. Instead, consider focusing on developing critical thinking skills through in-class discussions and emphasizing the importance of original thought. Encouraging students to reflect on their research and writing process could be more effective in fostering genuine learning and discouraging AI reliance.
sounds like a idea, but it might not be foolproof. students could still use ai elsewhere and copy-paste into gdocs. plus, some might feel like its invading their privacy. maybe combine this with other methods like in-class writing or oral presentations to get a better picture of their skills?