Re-designing forum discussions to combat GenAI use

Abstract

Our online Philosophy papers make extensive use of forum posts for discussion of moral issues. It is tempting for students to make use of GenAI for these short, informal contributions. My aim in these courses was to discourage the use of AI, to demonstrate to students the shortcomings of GenAI, and to reduce any advantage of using it. I seeded forums with clearly identified examples of what GenAI would write. Students could earn marks for sensible criticisms of AI contributions. But no marks were available for writing the kind of things GenAI produces. This technique prevents me from having to prove AI use: such posts are simply not worth marks. While the assessment design cannot prevent students from using GenAI, it both raises their awareness of its shortcomings, and reduces any advantage from its use. Successful use of this method requires careful communication in setting up the assessment, and regular monitoring and reinforcement. I was straightforward with students about what I was trying to achieve, and why. I learned a great deal about how to frame assessment questions, and what to emphasise to students. My constant refrain was “this is what AI can do already. What value are you adding?” The method showed some success in reducing GenAI use, and response from students was very positive.