The abilities of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate research and academic writing have increased significantly. Automatic Article Generators (AAGs) and developments in language generators like GPT-3 can now produce human-like text and are accessed easily online. The uptick in usage of AI-based writing tools across all levels of education has led administrators and educators alike to crack down on cheating, as some universities have reported significant increases in its prevalence during the switch to prioritize online learning.

Is Using a Writing Assistant Cheating?

Programs like Grammarly and other AI-based writing assistants use algorithms to help students edit their assignments and provide suggestions on making sentences more precise and easier to read.

Unless a student is tested explicitly on grammar and spelling, 99 percent of the time, using a writing assistant like Grammarly is not cheating. However, a student should check with their teacher first.

Grammar checking programs and writing assistant tools cannot automatically change a student's work, correct grammar every time, tell a student what to write about, or give them answers.

What is Considered Cheating?

Students generally believe plagiarism is simply copying exact words without attribution. However, anything beyond utilizing writing assistant programs, such as writing support tools, will likely be grounds for an academic misconduct charge.

Many universities already apply programs such as Turnitin and other text-based plagiarism detectors to scan exams and research papers from students.

Programs like QuillBot, an AI-based writing support tool, help students paraphrase or rewrite paragraphs. Using a paraphrasing tool is cheating if the author fails to cite what they are paraphrasing.

Besides AAGs and paraphrasing tools, students have access to online programs that can transcribe, translate, predict, extract, and mine text using state-of-the-art AI to enhance a writer's abilities. Without the proper citations to original work, using these will most likely be considered cheating.

It is essential to consult your school or university's guidelines on cheating and plagiarism or confirm with your teacher or administration officials about what constitutes the usage of unauthorized materials regarding taking tests, writing papers, or any other academic assignments.

What are the Punishments for Cheating?

When a student is accused of academic misconduct like cheating, it is one of the most impactful events in their academic careers. Punishments for such infractions can range from receiving a failing grade on the specific assignment, failing the class, academic probation, suspension, and even expulsion from the institution.

A suspension or expulsion will have obviously have long-lasting consequences, but even lesser sanctions, such as probation, can close many doors. Graduates applying to some jobs, including many government jobs, will be asked to detail academic misconduct in prior years of schooling, including cheating. Additionally, a finding of responsibility and most any sanction will need to be disclosed when applying to graduate programs or professional school, including medical school.

A National Student Defense Attorney Can Help

If you are accused of cheating, the stakes are too high not to retain professional assistance. Students are generally afforded an academic hearing and an appeals process before someone is either suspended or expelled from school, but regardless of your school's disciplinary process, your best move will be to hire a lawyer to be your advocate and ally throughout that process. Students have an ally in attorney Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm. Reach out at 888-535-3686 to discuss your academic integrity challenges in the face of online learning.