10 Ways to Prevent Students from Cheating with AI

Imagine a student submitting a perfectly structured essay within minutes, only to later admit they didn’t write a single word. This is the current reality of students that is with AI tools like ChatGPT and automated problem solvers readily available, students have unlimited access to technology that can generate essays, solve complex equations, and even write code with minimal effort.

While artificial intelligence has bought in extraordinary changes to education by making learning more accessible and efficient, it has also introduced new challenges, particularly in academic integrity. Educators and institutions are now struggling to keep up with AI’s rapid advancements, as students increasingly rely on these tools to complete assignments dishonestly. 

According to the Education Week Data, that were assessed by Turnitin’s AI detection Tool, in 3 percent of the assignments, each assignment was made up of 80 percent or more of AI writing.

This growing issue raises an urgent question: How can educational institutions prevent AI-assisted cheating while still promoting ethical use of technology? Where is Academic integrity heading towards?

10 Ways to Prevent Students from Cheating with AI

The key lies in rethinking the different types of assessments along with building a culture of integrity as well as using AI again, not as tool, but rather as a shortcut. Let’s now explore 10 ways.

1) Redesigning Assessments

If AI can do the work for them, students have very little motivation to continue to engage in learning. Traditional assessments like multiple-choice tests or generic essay prompts often focus on memorization rather than deep understanding. This makes them easy targets for AI-generated responses.

A more effective method would be to base tests that require analysis, creativity, and personal application. Instead of asking students to summarize historical events, have them debate their long-term impact.

Rather than writing a standard research paper, students could apply concepts to real-world scenarios. Similarly, rather than requesting a generic report on climate change, students could be tasked with proposing their own sustainability initiatives and defending their choices.

AI can provide facts, but it struggles to offer unique human perspectives making these assignments more AI-proof. By making assessments more application-based and personalized, educators can make it harder for students to rely on AI for dishonest shortcuts.

📌 How WeCP Helps:

• WeCP provides real-world coding challenges and project-based tasks that go beyond factual recall.
• AI-proof simulation-based assessments require students to apply their knowledge rather than simply regurgitate AI-generated responses.

2) Live Discussions, Vivas and Presentations

AI can generate well written fancy responses, but it can’t engage in a real-time discussion. One of the simplest ways to verify a student’s understanding is by requiring them to explain their work verbally.

For example, a student who submits a flawless essay on Shakespeare’s influence on modern literature should also be able to discuss key themes and ideas in a live conversation. And if a student submits a well-written essay on climate change, they should also be able to discuss key arguments and defend their perspective in a one-on-one conversation.

Similarly, in coding courses, students who submit a working program should be able to walk through their logic and decisions with their instructor. Vivas could also be taken after the course to further analyse their understanding.

📌 How WeCP Helps:

• Live interviews and interactive assessments allow evaluators to test real-time problem-solving skills.
• Video and audio proctoring ensure students engage with the content instead of relying on AI-generated answers.

3) Using AI Detection Tools to Identify Cheating

Just as AI helps students, it can also help educators detect misconduct. Tools like ZeroGPT, Quillbot and Originality.ai analyse writing patterns to identify AI-generated text. These tools can flag inconsistencies, such as a sudden change in writing style or lack of original thought.

However, AI detection isn’t foolproof. False positives can occur, and some advanced AI-generated content may slip through. That’s why detection tools should be used alongside other integrity measures, such as tracking a student’s writing history over time. WeCP’s Sherlock AI agent also helps in assisting cheating in remote interviews.

📌 How WeCP Helps:

• Sherlock AI Proctoring Agent detects all cheating methods in real-time, turning uncertainty into confidence.
• WeCP’s AI cheating prevention system flags inconsistencies and verifies originality.

4) Clear Policies on AI Usage

Some students may not even realize that using AI for assignments is considered cheating. Without clear guidelines, students might assume that if a tool exists, it’s fair game. Schools and universities need to define what AI use is acceptable and where it crosses the line. Is using AI for grammar checks allowed? What about brainstorming ideas?

A well-defined AI policy should describe which tools are permitted, what exactly is defined as misuse, and the consequences of violating the rules. Additionally, teachers should have open discussions about why academic integrity matters, helping students see the long-term value of developing their own knowledge rather than relying on AI shortcuts.

📌 How WeCP Helps:

• Customizable assessment policies allow educators to define rules for AI usage.
• AI-policy enforcement settings ensure students comply with institution-specific guidelines.

5) Academic Integrity

Preventing AI-assisted cheating is not just about catching students while they cheat, it is about making sure they don’t come to a stage where they cheat. Faculty and Parents along with other students and staff in an institution should create an environment where students understand the value of learning for themselves.

Educators should focus on building a culture of honesty and responsibility, where students take pride in their own work. One effective way to do this is through awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of integrity.

Schools can organize workshops, discussions, or even real-life case studies showcasing how AI dependency can negatively impact a student’s career prospects. When students understand the real-world consequences of dishonesty, they are less likely to cheat.

📌 How WeCP Helps:

• Secure and fair skills assessments encourage skill-based learning.
• Custom messaging and pre-test honor codes remind students about academic integrity before they begin a test.

6) Draft/Progress Submissions

AI tools allow students to generate a final product in seconds, skipping the entire learning process. To counter this, educators can require students to submit drafts, brainstorming notes, and progress updates before turning in a final project. This method makes sure that students engage with the material over time, rather than relying on AI to produce a last-minute response.

For example, in a writing class, students could be asked to submit a proposal, an outline, a rough draft, and a final version. This allows teachers to track how ideas develop, making it easier to spot inconsistencies that could indicate AI-generated content.

📌 How WeCP Helps:

• Version tracking in coding challenges allows instructors to monitor how a student develops a solution over time.
• Time-tracked assessments prevent last-minute AI-assisted submissions.

7) AI- Resistant Assignments

AI is incredibly effective at providing factual and structured essays, but it struggles with assignments that require personal experiences, creativity, or hands-on work. Educators can design assignments that focus on reflection, storytelling, or experience based learning all areas where AI-generated content falls short.

For example, students could be asked to write a personal reflection on a lesson learned in their life, rather than a generic report on a historical event. In art or music courses, students could create original projects that showcase their own unique perspectives. These types of assignments make it much harder for students to outsource their work to AI.

📌 How WeCP Helps:

• WeCP’s scenario-based coding challenges require students to solve real-world problems, making AI-generated answers ineffective.
• Interactive case studies and problem-solving tests focus on original thought and unique perspectives.

8) Class work or Real- Time assignments

Since AI can’t assist students during live sessions, timed assessments, in-class essays, and supervised coding tests can help students show their actual skills. In-class writing exercises, timed problem-solving tasks, and live coding tests force students to think and respond without outside assistance.

📌 How WeCP Helps:

• Live proctoring with AI-powered monitoring prevents students from switching to AI tools.
• Time-restricted problem-solving tasks limit the possibility of AI-assisted cheating.

9) AI advances

AI technology is constantly evolving, which means educators must stay ahead of the curve. Schools and universities should regularly update their academic policies, train faculty on AI advancements, and explore new assessment methods that reduce opportunities for cheating.

Professional development workshops, AI literacy programs, and educator forums can help teachers stay informed about emerging AI trends. By adapting teaching strategies to the realities of AI, educators can better equip students to use technology ethically.

📌 How WeCP Helps:

• Regular assessment updates ensure question banks stay ahead of AI capabilities.
• AI-powered skill validation adapts to new cheating methods.

10) Encouraging Ethical AI Use Instead of Banning It

Banning AI outright is not a practical solution after all, AI is becoming an integral part of modern workplaces and industries. Instead of treating AI as an enemy, educators should teach students how to use it responsibly. The key is helping students understand when AI is a tool for learning and when it becomes a shortcut for cheating.

For example, students can use AI for brainstorming, proofreading, grammar checks or research assistance, but not for generating complete assignments. By promoting responsible AI usage, educators can ensure that students develop real skills while still benefiting from technological advancements.

📌 How WeCP Helps:

• Guided AI-usage training modules educate students on ethical AI applications.
• WeCP’s adaptive learning pathways integrate AI responsibly into assessments.

Conclusion

The rise of AI in education presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it offers incredible tools for learning. On the other, it raises concerns about academic honesty and critical thinking.

By redesigning assessments, promoting integrity, and teaching responsible AI use, we can ensure that technology improvises the quality of education. The goal is not to eliminate AI from education but to ensure that it enhances learning rather than replacing it.

Looking for AI-proof assessment tools?

WeCP offers secure, fair skill assessment solutions that help educators create cheat-proof evaluations. Check out our tools today and ensure fair student assessments!

Refer to our very own SHERLOCK AI AGENT- which stops AI-Assisted Cheating in Remote interviews & Exams. Learn more about it here.