AI in the Classroom: When Technology Becomes a Shortcut Instead of a Tool

Let’s talk about the double-edged sword that is technology in education. On one hand, it’s a game-changer—instant access to research, engaging digital lessons, and tools that make learning interactive. On the other hand, when misused, it creates an alarming lack of ownership and accountability among students. Case in point: I recently caught several students using AI to cheat on their tests.

Now, I’m all for innovation. I encourage my students to use AI for brainstorming, organizing their thoughts, and even getting past writer’s block-- heck I do it myself too! But the moment AI starts doing all the thinking for them? That’s when we have a problem.

The AI Cheating Dilemma I’m grading tests, and something feels... off. The responses are eerily similar, filled with vocabulary that my students have never used in class.

After a bit of digging (and a few very awkward student-teacher conversations), I confirmed that multiple students had copied and pasted AI-generated responses. Their reasoning? “It’s just like using Google” and “I didn’t think it was a big deal.” Yikes.

This is the problem we’re facing with the increasing push for tech in the classroom. Students have access to an overwhelming number of tools that make thinking optional. While technology should enhance learning, it’s creating a generation of students who rely on AI instead of developing their own skills.

The Downside of Too Much Tech in the Classroom There’s a fine line between using it as a tool and using it as a crutch. This is why I try not to even use computers in my classroom-- despite the push from downtown to use more eye roll. Here’s how too much reliance on AI is impacting student accountability:

1. Lack of Critical Thinking Why analyze a text when AI can do it for you? Why struggle through a math problem when an app will solve it in seconds? Students are missing out on the essential struggle that leads to real learning. This spills over into their social lives in the worst ways.

2. Plagiarism is Easier Than Ever AI-generated content is polished and passable, making it tempting for students to claim it as their own. Many don’t even see this as cheating, which is a huge problem when it comes to integrity and academic honesty.

3. Reduced Effort and OwnershipWhen students rely on AI, they aren’t developing their own voice, problem-solving skills, or work ethic. They’re just regurgitating what a chatbot spits out, withut even bothering to read or understand it.

4. The "AI Knows Best" Mentality AI isn’t perfect, but some students assume it is. They trust AI-generated content over their own reasoning, which is a dangerous habit that stifles independent thought.

How to Combat AI Cheating in the Classroom 

So what can we do? Banning AI isn’t the answer—students need to learn how to use it responsibly. Instead, we should focus on teaching digital literacy, setting clear boundaries, and using tools to keep students accountable. HELLO MEDIA CLASS! What do they do in that library anyway? (JK love you Ms. F!)

1. Educate Students on Ethical AI Use Instead of just saying “that's cheating,” show students what responsible AI usage looks like. Teach them how to use AI for guidance, not as a shortcut.

2. Design AI-Proof Assignments If an AI can generate the answer, the question might not be challenging enough. Focus on assignments that require personal experiences, real-world applications, or in-class work that AI can’t replicate. (and not the made up personal experiences that AI provides)

3. Use Plagiarism Checkers AI-generated work can be detected with the right tools. If you’re dealing with potential AI plagiarism, here are some free and paid resources to help:

Free AI Plagiarism Checkers

1. GPTZero – Specifically designed to detect AI-generated text.

2. ZeroGPT – Another AI detection tool that highlights text likely written by AI.

3. Writer.com AI Content Detector – Free and simple to use for AI plagiarism detection.

4. Sapling AI Detector – Offers AI detection with a plagiarism checker feature.

5. Crossplag AI Detector – Provides a free AI detection tool with limited use.

Paid AI Plagiarism Checkers

1. Turnitin – The gold standard for plagiarism detection, now with AI detection features.

2. Copyscape Premium – Excellent for detecting duplicate content, including AI-generated text.

3. Grammarly Business – Has a plagiarism checker with AI detection capabilities.

4. Originality.AI – Specifically built to detect AI-generated content.

5. Quetext Pro – Advanced plagiarism detection with AI text recognition.

Final Thoughts

​Technology isn’t going anywhere, and neither is AI. But if we don’t teach students how to use it responsibly, we’re setting them up for failure. Education should be about growth, effort, and ownership—not about who can get AI to do the most work for them.

So, to my fellow teachers: Stay vigilant, use AI detection tools, and most importantly, keep fostering real, critical thinking in your students. Because no matter how advanced AI gets, nothing will ever replace a well-earned “A” from actual effort.