Over the years, online exams have gained more interest in schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. Along with that, another phenomenon has gained massive popularity – AI. Schools and colleges have already issued guidelines to prevent students from using AI in exams and projects, but it is quite challenging to block them entirely from using it. Here are some proven strategies for preventing AI cheating in online exams.
How to prevent AI Cheating in Schools
Here are some of the proven strategies to prevent AI cheating in schools:
- Blocking AI tools via Firewall
- Using AI Content Detection Tools
- Using Screen Monitoring & event logging Software
- Conducting Cross Questionings around answers
- Using Strict AI Policies & Guidelines
To learn more about these strategies, continue reading.
1] Blocking AI tools via Firewall
Although it is quite challenging to block all available AI tools via a firewall, you can give it a try. A firewall can be used to block all the incoming and outgoing traffic or connections from any application, tool, or software. You can take advantage of that facility.
In Windows 11/10, you can open the Windows Defender Firewall and create a new rule inside Inbound Rules and outbound Rules, blocking the AI tool.
The main disadvantage of this method is that you need to be aware of the latest AI tool names at all times and update the list in the Firewall as soon as possible.
Read: How to allow or block a program in Windows Firewall of Windows
2] Using AI Content Detection Tools
It is probably the most effective way to prevent students from using AI writing tools for assignments or even in online exams. For your information, there are numerous AI content detection tools available for free.
All you need to do is copy the assignment and paste it into an AI content detection tool. For this example, we have used GPTZero. For that, open the gptzero.me and paste the content that you want to scan for detection.
After clicking the Scan button, it takes a few moments to scan the entire text and shows a result.
Not only does GPTZero, but also most AI content detection tools, work in the same way.
3] Using Screen Monitoring & event logging Software
The use of screen monitoring and event logging software is another proven method to stop or reduce AI cheating in schools and colleges. When you monitor the screen, students may not be able to open any AI tool without being caught.
Alternatively, you can also opt for event logging software. No, we are not talking about Event Viewer. We are referring to more reliable tools, such as Netwrix Event Log Manager, Event Log Explorer, and Lepide Event Log Manager, among others.
These tools are more helpful when it comes to monitoring your system. However, the disadvantage of this method is that you can apply it only when your students are working on your school or college computers.
4] Conducting Cross Questionings around answers
If you are taking an interview for anything in school or college and have doubts, you must cross-examine. Even if you are collecting assignments or any other projects in written form, cross-questioning should be an integral part.
You should ask questions that are slightly different from the submitted assignments, but they are related to them. When you ask questions about the submitted assignments and receive answers tailored to your needs, your doubts about AI usage will be cleared.
5] Using Strict AI Policies & Guidelines
As a part of the school or college academic management authority, you must implement strict guidelines and AI policies so that students think twice before using AI on their assignments and exams. Apart from implementing, you must take strict action in the event that someone is caught using AI. Otherwise, no matter what you do, all will go in vain.
Read: AI Speech Classifier: Free AI Speech detector tool
How to make sure students don’t cheat on online tests?
Setting a very limited time for online tests has been proven to be a great solution to prevent cheating. Apart from that, setting a different set of the same paper can also be handy. On the other hand, using AI-blocking software and screen monitoring tools can be helpful.
How to prevent AI usage in school?
To prevent AI usage in school or college projects, you should ask students to submit their projects online, making them easily accessible for you to check for duplication. Use some AI detector tools to find if the student has used AI to write the project or not.
Read: Best free AI Content Detection Tools.
