AI has become a powerful tool worldwide. However, at South, many students have been caught using AI on tests, essays, and homework.
Junior Sadeel Azem said she thinks AI is definitely a problem at South.
“I have seen lots of my friends using AI on their assignments,” Azem said.
Since AI has become so powerful, there are now detectors for teachers to be able to determine whether or not a student used AI on their assignment.
“I have caught many students using AI on an assignment. It’s very easy to catch; the person sounds like a robot. Moreover, Turnitin.com is getting very good at catching AI,” English teacher Anton Ruiz said.
Although South has an official AI policy, it is not currently published anywhere for students to access. However, South High does address AI in the student handbook: linked here:
https://sites.google.com/parkwayschools.net/pshstudentinformation/artificial-intelligence
However, in practice, South’s official AI policy states that if a teacher detects a student using AI, they’ll have the option of redoing the assignment with a three-hour detention or just receiving a zero on the assignment. The second time a student gets caught, they’ll automatically receive a zero on the assignment. After the third time, a student receives a zero and it could also lead to an out-of-school suspension. In addition, a student caught cheating will also be put on an “AI List,” letting other teachers and administrators know that they’ve been caught cheating with AI. This will remain for the rest of the student’s high school years.
Ruiz said he agreed with the policy.
“The AI policy we have is fair. If a student uses AI, they need to be fully convinced through consequences that they should never take that shortcut ever again,” Ruiz said.
Junior Alena White also approves of the AI policy.
“AI is rotting teenager’s minds and doesn’t teach kids the right knowledge to learn about a topic,” White said.
According to Ruiz, many teachers have said that AI has become a problem in their classrooms and that sometimes they can detect the AI.
“AI is definitely an issue, especially for English teachers. AI has opened a ‘can of worms’ for students to plagiarize and take a shortcut. I am seeing many English teachers, including myself, changing lesson plans and writing prompts to ensure students’ writing is original,” Ruiz said.
Pappas-Muyco said she hopes the AI policy will reduce the likelihood of plagiarism.
“I hope that students will pause before using these tactics. Teachers are always willing to help, and students should just ask questions if they are faced with challenges when completing school work,” said Pappas-Muyco.
