Cornell Instructor Uses Typewriters to Combat AI Cheating in Class
A Cornell Instructor Is Using a Creative Old School Method to Combat AI Cheating in Class
Entrepreneur
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Grit Matthias Phelps, a German instructor at Cornell University, introduces manual typewriters into her classroom to help students write without digital aids. This approach encourages intentional thinking and communication among students, responding to the rising use of AI tools like ChatGPT in academic assignments.
- 01Grit Matthias Phelps, a German instructor at Cornell University, uses typewriters to combat AI-assisted cheating.
- 02The exercise requires students to write without screens, online dictionaries, or spellcheck.
- 03Students reported increased focus and intentionality in their writing process.
- 04The initiative started in spring 2023 in response to students relying on generative AI for assignments.
- 05Other educators are also adopting traditional methods to address AI use in classrooms.
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At Cornell University, Grit Matthias Phelps, who teaches German, has implemented a unique approach to combat the increasing reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT among students. Once a semester, she brings manual typewriters into the classroom, allowing students to experience writing without the conveniences of modern technology. This initiative began in spring 2023 after Phelps observed that many students were submitting assignments polished by generative AI and online translation services. The absence of screens and spellcheck forces students to think more critically about their writing. Students have reported that using typewriters helps them focus better and engage more with their peers, as they cannot simply delete mistakes or consult online resources. Phelps encourages collaboration by having students ask each other for help instead of relying on digital tools. This innovative method reflects a broader trend among educators who are seeking to maintain academic integrity in an era where AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in academic settings.
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This method encourages students to develop their writing skills without relying on AI tools, fostering a more thoughtful and collaborative learning environment.
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