I Used to Teach Students. Now I Catch ChatGPT Cheats

I once believed university was a shared intellectual pursuit. That faith has been obliterated

by Troy Jollimore

The Walrus

Updated Mar. 5, 2025

​In his article, "I Used to Teach Students. Now I Catch ChatGPT Cheats," Troy Jollimore, a philosophy professor at a Californian university, reflects on the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT on academic integrity and the educational experience. He draws an analogy between AI and the "Magic Bag" from folklore—a device that grants any wish instantly—to illustrate the ease with which students can now generate essays without genuine engagement or learning. ​

The Rise of AI in Academia

Jollimore observes that AI tools have become adept at producing essays on topics ranging from Plato's Republic to the ethics of organ trade. These AI-generated papers often exhibit a neutral and methodical tone, systematically presenting frameworks and balancing considerations to reach conclusions. Some even include fabricated quotations with non-existent page numbers. Despite explicit prohibitions against AI use in syllabi and repeated reminders, many students continue to submit AI-generated work, undermining the educational process. 

Challenges in Detecting AI-Generated Work

Identifying AI-generated essays poses significant challenges. While less sophisticated AI outputs are detectable due to their bland and uniform style, more advanced versions can closely mimic human writing, making detection increasingly difficult. This situation has led educators to spend more time policing assignments than engaging in meaningful teaching.

Erosion of Educational Values

The widespread use of AI for assignments reflects a deeper issue: the erosion of the perceived value of education. Jollimore notes that many students view education merely as a means to secure employment, rather than as a transformative intellectual journey. This perspective is exacerbated by societal anti-intellectualism, where practical intelligence is often valued over scholarly pursuits. Consequently, some students aim to complete their education unchanged, using AI to avoid the challenges that foster growth and critical thinking. 

Implications for Teaching Practices

The infiltration of AI into academia has forced educators to reconsider their teaching methodologies. Some have shifted to in-class, handwritten assignments to ensure authenticity, while others have adapted their curricula to integrate AI responsibly. However, these measures come with their own set of challenges, including concerns about fairness and the effectiveness of such assessments in truly measuring student understanding.

The Ethical Dimension

For courses like health ethics, where students are preparing for professions that involve critical decision-making, the reliance on AI-generated work is particularly concerning. Without genuine engagement with ethical dilemmas during their education, future professionals may be ill-equipped to handle real-world situations that require nuanced judgment and empathy. This gap in preparation could have serious consequences, not only for the individuals themselves but also for those they serve in their professional capacities. 

A Call to Reaffirm Educational Integrity

Jollimore's reflections serve as a call to action for educators to reaffirm the value of authentic learning. While AI can be a useful tool, its misuse undermines the educational mission of developing critical thinkers and informed citizens. Educators are encouraged to adapt their teaching strategies to emphasize the process of learning over the mere production of assignments, fostering an environment where students value the journey of education as much as its outcomes. ​

In conclusion, the advent of AI tools like ChatGPT presents both challenges and opportunities for education. By addressing the ethical implications and adapting teaching methodologies, educators can guide students toward a more meaningful and authentic educational experience.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com