The trouble with new technology is that it takes time to absorb just what it can do. That means that while it may have the capacity to make our lives exponentially better, there are going to be plenty of people who look at it with skepticism, who view it as making life too easy, making us lazy, undermining some aspect of our humanity that they regard as "innate."
Case in point: Quizlet AI Tutor. There is no question that this remarkable program can make you a better student. Can it be misused? Of course. Any technology can be misused, especially one that's relatively new. Unfortunately, some faculty and administrators get fixated on the potential dangers and can't recognize the potential benefits. Worse, they can start to see “cheaters” everywhere, and this kind of paranoia can breed false allegations.
So let's talk about Quizlet—just what it can do, what kinds of fears colleges and universities sometimes have about it, and—most importantly—how to defend yourself if you should find yourself accused of using it inappropriately.
Whatever your situation, the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is here to help. We're dedicated to protecting your rights and making sure you're treated fairly. What can we do for you? Find out by calling 888-535-3686, or take time right now to tell us about your case.
Just What Can You Do With Quizlet AI Tutor?
Quizlet AI Tutor was designed as a tool to help students study more effectively. As the name suggests, it works as a tutor, one that's specifically focused on helping you succeed. Unlike human tutors, it always knows exactly what you need—what's going to help you improve the most. Plus, it's free, and you don't have to worry about making an appointment.
Quizlet provides tools like custom-made flashcards and practice tests based on your class notes. In addition, it draws from a variety of other sources, including material uploaded from other students taking your class or similar classes. As a result, it knows everything you need to know about a subject, just like any human tutor would. Used appropriately, it's not cheating; it's simply a more convenient and efficient way to study, and it allows students to supercharge their learning.
Using and Misusing Quizlet
Of course, like any technology, especially an emerging technology, Quizlet isn't completely understood, and some enterprising students are already beginning to find ways to misuse it.
Because Quizlet draws from a wide range of sources to create flashcards, it's easy to ask it to come up with "answers." Fair enough if you're in your dorm room studying. If you're accessing those answers in the middle of an exam, though, there's a good chance you're cheating.
How do you avoid misusing Quizlet? That's actually pretty straightforward. Make sure you're using the program in the way it was intended.
- Obviously, you shouldn't rely on Quizlet during an exam unless your instructor has given you permission to do so.
- Likewise, if you're asked to turn in a written assignment, you should do your own research. While Quizlet can certainly help you organize and supplement that research, simply pasting together a set of flashcards is probably undermining the function of the assignment.
- While it's become a truism, remember that cheating hurts you more than anyone else. The goal should always be to master the material, and if you feel Quizlet is preventing you from doing that in any way, you're probably misusing it.
When Faculty Overreact
You also need to be aware of the other side of the equation. University faculty and administrators have been overwhelmed in the last decade by an onslaught of new technologies. They believe—and they're not wrong—that some students can find a way to turn any technology into an effective cheating method, and, as gatekeepers, they take seriously their job of stamping out all forms of cheating.
If you are cheating, you should know that schools have developed a number of methods—both simple and sophisticated—to catch you, even if you're using the most advanced new technologies.
- Just like there are new technologies being developed for students, there are also some pretty advanced programs that have been developed for faculty. Turnitin, Respondus Monitor, and ChatGPTZero have the power to detect unnatural language and misappropriated content.
- Instructors can simply ask you to explain material orally, forcing you to demonstrate whether you actually have a grasp of it or not.
- Instructors pay close attention to patterns. Unexpected improvement in too short a time can alert them to potential cheating.
None of these detection tools is foolproof, and it is certainly possible to wind up accused of cheating with Quizlet even when you aren't cheating.
It's also true that you might be cheating without realizing it. Quizlet runs on material uploaded by students, and there are students who upload exam materials without their instructors' permission. Once that material is in the system, you might be accessing test questions and answers, giving you an unfair advantage when you sit down to take the actual test.
How do you avoid these issues?
- Rely as much as possible on your own uploaded material. Take your own notes in class and only use Quizlet's knowledge base to supplement your work.
- Know your school's policy. Your college or university may already have rules and regulations on the appropriate use of AI technology. Whatever those rules are, make sure you're following them.
- Don't be afraid to ask. Let your instructors know how you're using technology and ask them if they think that use is appropriate. If nothing else, they'll take your questions as a sign that you're serious about avoiding academic misconduct.
What Do You Do if the Worst Should Happen?
Of course, even if you are careful about how you use Quizlet and even if you double-check that use with your professors, you can still wind up accused of cheating. One cheating allegation has the power to undo your entire education. You can face classroom sanctions as well as more serious university sanctions like probation, suspension, and dismissal, and any record of an offense can affect your academic and professional futures.
So, what do you do if you've been accused?
- Remain calm. Getting upset and saying or doing things out of anger and frustration can exacerbate your situation.
- Keep records of everything. Don't throw any coursework away, even if it is unrelated to the specific charges against you. That material could be useful for demonstrating your abilities.
- Finally, and most importantly, don't try to handle the situation on your own. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team knows how your school's judicial system works. We also know exactly how to build a defense when Quizlet AI is involved.
The Lento Law Firm has helped hundreds of students defend themselves from college and university charges. We can help you to do the same. Call 888-535-3686 today, or take time right now to fill out our online form.
