For Some Teachers, Evolving Technology Means Embracing A.I.

Rockhurst High School’s English department is facing a new challenge in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) writing: academic dishonesty. The department has struggled to find software that can effectively detect AI-generated writing.

Instead of combating the use of AI by students, the English department has decided to embrace the technology and use it as an opportunity to improve students’ writing skills. The department has implemented new teaching strategies that aim to make students better writers, rather than relying solely on technology.

Assistant Principal Mike Wickenhauser said this philosophy comes from the idea that this new AI is an extension of things such as Grammarly and autocorrect that the administration has had no problem with students using. 

“[AI, Grammarly, and autocorrect] in and of itself are neither good nor bad. It’s how these tools are used,” Wickenhauser said.

When it comes to academic dishonesty related to AI, Wickenhauser said that although using AI is not technically plagiarism it isn’t meeting the expectations of the assignment, because it’s not your writing. 

The English department’s approach to AI writing reflects a larger shift in education, where emerging technologies are seen as a tool for learning, not just for cheating. As AI continues to evolve, Wickenhauser says the English department at Rockhurst is determined to stay ahead of the curve and ensure its students are prepared for the future.

“The Jesuits have been educating students for hundreds of years and technology has evolved during that time. And I think Jesuit educators pride themselves on living in the context in which they find themselves and AI is part of our context. And that is not something to be afraid of, or to run from.”