Grammarly's AI Writing Assistant: A Double-Edged Sword for Academic Integrity
Evaluated Grammarly's Artificial Intelligence Writing Aid for Educational Purposes. A Conflicting Appraisal
Grammarly's AI writing assistant, launched in Fall 2023, is designed to offer comprehensive feedback on writing, improving clarity, conciseness, and tone [1][3]. The tool, equipped with specialized AI agents, assists users in various stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to evaluating work against specific rubrics [3].
While Grammarly's AI offers numerous benefits, it raises concerns regarding academic integrity. One of the primary issues is the potential for students to over-rely on AI-generated content, leading to a loss of original thought and the risk of academic dishonesty [4].
Moreover, AI-generated content can be challenging to detect, potentially leading to undetected plagiarism or misuse in academic work [2]. Grammarly's AI has been reported to provide complete essays as responses to student prompts, which could exacerbate these concerns [4].
The lack of personal expression and depth in AI-assisted writing is another concern. AI-generated writing may result in overly formal or predictable styles, which are crucial in academic writing [2]. Transparency about AI use is essential to maintain academic integrity, as undisclosed reliance on AI tools can undermine the learning process [4].
Instructors have expressed concerns about the possibility of students generating entire essays using Grammarly's AI. There have been reports of past cases where AI-submitted work was suspected in classes, and at least two current students are believed to have generated entire essays using the tool [4].
To address these concerns, Grammarly could program its AI not to generate examples of full essays. Additionally, AI engineers could work more closely with writing instructors to address common needs and avoid hallucinations in the AI assistant [6].
Educators play a crucial role in fostering a culture of transparency and using AI tools as a teaching aid rather than a sole source of content generation. Emphasizing the importance of original thought, critical thinking, and personal expression in academic work is essential in mitigating the potential risks associated with AI-assisted writing.
- As a student, it is essential to limit one's reliance on Grammarly's AI during the learning process to maintain original thought and prevent academic dishonesty.
- In the arena of education-and-self-development, it is crucial for students to develop their own writing style and critical thinking skills, instead of solely relying on AI-generated content provided by tools like Grammarly.
- To promote transparency and prevent over-reliance on AI-assisted writing, educators should encourage students to focus on their own learning and self-development, ensuring the proper use of technology in the realm of scholarly pursuits.
