Teacher Discovers Widespread Use of ChatGPT in Creative Writing Assignment

Bryn A. Williams, an English teacher at Burnaby Central Secondary School in British Columbia, encountered a significant issue when he assigned a creative writing task to his Grade 11 New Media class. The assignment, which asked students to describe “a day in the life at a dystopian high school,” resulted in submissions that were strikingly similar, leading Williams to realize that many students had utilized ChatGPT to complete their work. This incident highlights the growing reliance on artificial intelligence in educational settings.

Newsweek

The creative writing task was designed to encourage students to engage with themes of totalitarianism and fascism, inspired by their earlier studies of George Orwell's *Animal Farm* and the film *V for Vendetta*. Williams aimed for students to envision a high school experience devoid of freedom and safety, prompting them to think critically about their environment. However, the outcome of the assignment revealed a significant challenge in fostering genuine creativity among students.

Newsweek

Bryn A. Williams, 52, has been teaching students aged 13 to 18 and has observed a dramatic increase in the use of AI tools like ChatGPT over the past two years. He expressed disappointment upon discovering the similarities in student submissions, noting that the structure and content were nearly identical across the board. Williams acknowledged his own role in the situation, admitting that he should have required students to submit rough drafts completed in class rather than allowing them to email their final versions from home.

Newsweek

The incident sparked a lively debate among users on Williams' TikTok video, which garnered over 756,000 views. Commenters expressed divided opinions on the use of AI in creative assignments. Some criticized the lack of imagination among students, questioning why they would resort to AI for a creative task. Others defended the use of AI as a modern tool, likening it to the introduction of calculators in education. Williams noted the passionate responses from both sides, indicating a broader conversation about the role of technology in learning.

Newsweek

Williams stated, “If they didn't do it in front of me, then they most likely used AI,” emphasizing his concern about students bypassing the learning process. While he recognizes the value of AI for generating feedback and creating graphics, he is wary of its potential to undermine creativity and critical thinking in students.

Newsweek

In response to the challenges posed by AI, Williams has adjusted his teaching approach, with approximately 90 percent of assignments now requiring in-class writing on paper. Despite these changes, he acknowledges that even in-class work is not entirely secure from AI interference, as students can still use tools like Google Lens. The ongoing evolution of technology in education will likely continue to prompt discussions about the balance between leveraging AI and maintaining academic integrity.

Newsweek