Detecting Techniques and Tools Employed by Colleges to Identify Artificial Intelligence
In the realm of academia, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in essay writing has become a topic of interest. Colleges are increasingly employing a combination of AI detection tools and human evaluation to identify AI-generated essays.
One such tool is CopyLeaks, a versatile plagiarism checker that supports multiple languages and provides detailed reports when it flags a piece of writing as AI-generated. Another option is Smodin, which offers options for checking AI writing.
However, it's essential to note that AI detectors, such as Turnitin, GPTZero, Originality.ai, CopyLeaks, Winston.ai, and Grammarly, are not 100% accurate. They analyse stylistic and linguistic patterns to detect AI-generated content, assessing features like word choice, sentence structure, tone consistency, vocabulary variety, and the presence or absence of unique insights or personal reflections.
Common AI-detection signals include predictable word choices, uniform sentence lengths creating a mechanical rhythm, consistent, neutral tone lacking natural voice shifts, overly perfect grammar without natural errors, and lack of personal engagement elements such as rhetorical questions, personal asides, or persuasive language that connect with a reader emotionally.
Beyond automated tools, some professors rely on direct comparison methods, such as requesting students to submit a personal writing sample early in the course, then comparing this authentic writing style against suspected AI-generated essays with the help of AI detection software. They may also ask students to rewrite suspicious essays or answer questions about their work, making it easier to spot AI use by looking for mechanical rewrites or superficial synonym substitution.
A key limitation acknowledged is that AI detectors provide probability scores and are not entirely foolproof. However, combined with human judgment and writing samples, they offer an effective approach to identify AI-generated content in academic settings.
Some colleges have prohibited the use of AI on admissions essays, while others do not have an official policy. It's important for students to follow the policies implemented by their school regarding the use of AI.
Quill.org, Writer.com, and Passed.ai are other AI detection tools available, offering subscription services and pay-as-you-go options respectively. AI Detector Pro, on the other hand, focuses on helping students develop a more natural and engaging writing style rather than identifying AI writing.
The article was reviewed by Stan Kats, a Professional Technologist and COO of The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California, and Travis Boylls, a staff writer. Stan Kats, who holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California, offers comprehensive technology solutions to businesses and individuals through his companies.
[1] Source: AI-Detection in Academia: A Comprehensive Overview [2] Source: The Rise of AI in Essay Writing and Its Detection [3] Source: Strategies for Detecting AI-Generated Essays in Colleges [4] Source: The Limitations of AI Detection Tools in Academia [5] Source: Emotional Engagement in Writing: A Key Factor in AI Detection
How to make your career-oriented essay stand out in the era of growing technology, consider avoiding the common AI-detection signals such as predictable word choices, uniform sentence lengths, and lack of personal engagement elements like rhetorical questions or emotive language. While tools like CopyLeaks, Turnitin, and AI Detector Pro can help identify AI-generated content, it's crucial to combine their findings with human judgment and your own unique writing voice to ensure your work is perceived as genuinely original.
