If you have concerns that a student might have used AI inappropriately on a writing assignment, start by gathering context. AI Detection Reports should be used as a starting point for further review, not as standalone proof of inappropriate AI use.
1. Review Student Writing
Start with the student's work and writing process. Consider whether or not the submission is consistent with the student's writing and progress in class so far.
Then use Writable's authenticity tools to gather additional context:
AI Detection identifies indications of potentially AI-generated content
Authorship Alerts highlight writing or editing behaviors that may warrant a closer look
Draft History shows how the student's response developed and changed over time
Originality Check identifies similarities between the submission and other sources
Look for patterns across these sources rather than relying on a single score, alert, or result.
2. Talk With the Student
Avoid confronting the student or making an accusation. Instead, talk to your student before reaching a conclusion. Use what you've observed when reviewing their work to ask open-ended questions about their writing process.
For example:
"Can you walk me through how you developed this section?"
"What changes did you make as you revised?"
"What resources or tools did you use while writing?"
"Can you explain your thinking in this part of your response?"
The goal is to better understand how the student completed the assignment, not to use the conversation to confirm an assumption.
3. Determine Next Steps
Consider the information you've gathered alongside the student's explanation and the expectations you established for the assignment. If you determine that the student's work may not meet your expectations for AI use or academic integrity, follow your school or district's policies for next steps.
4. Set Expectations Before Students Write
Clear expectations can help prevent uncertainty about AI use. Before an assignment, let students know:
Whether AI tools are permitted
Which uses of AI are appropriate
What work they must complete independently
If they should disclose permitted AI use