Faculty Help: Generative AI Resource Guide: Writing Assignments

This is a more focused list of resources aimed specifically at guidance, tips and ideas for redesigning writing assignments in the age of AI.

Beth McMurtrie with the Chronicle writes, "One approach that discourages AI misuse — and encourages careful reading — is to ask students to annotate what they read, either with hand-written comments on printed paper or through tools such as Hypothesi.is and Perusall" (2024).

Many of these you'll probably be able to use and even change as you see fit. However, please sure check for a Creative Commons license; if none is listed please reach out to the creator. If nothing else, they will hopefully give you some ideas. 🧠 

Beth McMurtrie with the Chronicle writes, "One approach that discourages AI misuse — and encourages careful reading — is to ask students to annotate what they read, either with hand-written comments on printed paper or through tools such as Hypothesi.is and Perusall" (2024).

The increasing use of Generative AI by students and faculty efforts to counter it have often been described as an arms race. One of the latest weapons in this race are AI 'humanizer' writing websites. 

What are they?
AI humanizer writing websites are tools designed to make AI-generated text sound more natural, human-like, and less detectable as machine-written. They work by taking content created by an AI (like ChatGPT or similar tools) and rewriting or editing it to:

• Improve tone and flow
• Add natural language patterns (e.g., contractions, idioms, variability)
• Avoid common structures or phrasing that AI detectors flag

Some use rule-based methods (applying specific linguistic tweaks), while others use additional AI models trained to mimic human writing styles. These tools are often used to bypass AI detection tools or improve readability.

At the time of this writing (Spring 2025) some of the more popular AI humanizer websites are AIHumanizer, WriteHuman, Humanize AI and AI Undetect but there are hundreds out there.
 

To address suspected AI humanizer use in student essays:

Detection Strategies

• Analyze writing patterns: Humanizers may correct grammar but leave overly uniform tone or lack authentic emotional shifts. Compare current work to past submissions for sudden style changes. 
• Require process documentation: Ask for drafts, outlines, and AI prompts used. Verify consistency between stages. 
• Check contextual depth: Humanized text often remains superficial or misses assignment-specific details (e.g., personal observations, niche citations).

Conversation Approaches

• Ask open-ended questions: “Walk me through your research process” or “How did you develop this argument?” Inability to discuss specifics may indicate AI use.
• Focus on learning: Frame violations as growth opportunities. Discuss time management, citation norms, and the value of original thought.

Policy Adjustments

• Explicitly ban humanizers in syllabi and define consequences.
• Assign AI-proof tasks: Incorporate real-world observations, class discussions, or reflective elements.

Tools and Workflow

• Combine AI detectors (e.g., GPTZero) with plagiarism checkers, as humanizers often paraphrase.
• Use version history tracking in tools like Google Docs to monitor edits.