The short answer to the question of whether teachers can detect AI in PowerPoint presentations is... maybe.
While teachers can use AI detection tools, they are not 100% reliable, and there are other things they can look for that can be red flags.
We’ll examine these items and why they can be clues that a student used AI to create their slideshow.
{toc}
Quick creation time
If you’ve ever used AI, then you know that an AI tool can generate results quickly. So, if a student completes their PowerPoint project in a remarkably short amount of time, this can signal to the teacher that the student used AI to create the presentation.
Odd visual elements
Even though AI can design visual slide elements that are hard to detect, things like images and charts can contain irregularities or strange components that can alert teachers to their source. For instance, you may see something like a hand or finger out of place in an image.
Unusual text and phrases
One of the biggest red flags that a student used AI to make their PowerPoint is the text and phrases they used. If the words and terms seem unnatural, robotic, overused, or too formal, this can be a clear indication of AI-generated content. (For example, people have realized that ChatGPT uses the world 'delve' way too often, and it also uses the em-dash — much more than a person would).
Tip: Look at the most overused ChatGPT words.
Lack of personal touch
When teachers are familiar with previous works from a student, they become aware of those nuances particular to the student. So, a lack of personality or originality that is common to the student can make a teacher suspicious of the content origin.
Outdated or inaccurate details
Although most AI tools appear to provide up-to-date information, it’s not guaranteed. When a teacher spots inaccuracies or outdated details, it can be a sign of AI use. This can come from shifts in technology or out-of-date models.
Should students be allowed to use AI?
The use of AI in education has its pros and cons for both students and teachers. One on hand, AI tools can assist students with access to resources, immediate feedback, and personalized learning. But on the other hand, they can provide students with inaccurate information, a lack of privacy, and foster a reliance on AI.
For more on this particular topic, check out our article on students using AI that explores both sides of the argument.
.png)
