Student fights AI cheating allegations for using Grammarly | NewsNation Prime

Summary

Marley Stevens, a student at the University of North Georgia, received a zero on her paper after using Grammarly, a popular writing tool with 30 million users. The school accused her of cheating due to the use of generative AI, despite Grammarly being listed as a recommended resource on the school's website. Marley is now on academic probation, her scholarship at risk, and has been battling this issue for three months. Grammarly has defended its use, stating it helps students create better writing experiences and has donated $4,000 to support Marley. The incident raises questions about the evolving role of AI in education and the need for clear policies on its usage.

Takeaways

• 📚 A student named Marley Stevens used Grammarly, a popular writing plugin, to fix grammar and punctuation in her paper.
• 😱 Marley was shocked to receive a 0 on her assignment as the professor considered using Grammarly as unintentional cheating due to its generative AI feature.
• 🏫 The University of North Georgia had Grammarly listed on its website as a recommended tool for students, which created confusion.
• 🤔 Marley is still on academic probation and fighting to clear her record, with her GPA and scholarship at risk.
• 🔄 The university took down Grammarly from its website temporarily but then re-listed it, indicating a lack of clear policy or communication.
• 🗣️ Marley's case started in October and has been ongoing for months, highlighting the complexity and duration of such disputes.
• 🤝 Grammarly has stepped in to support Marley, donating $4,000, showing their commitment to their users.
• 💼 Jenny Maxwell from Grammarly explains that the tool is meant to be a writing partner, not a substitute for student work.
• 🛠️ Grammarly has added a generative engine to enhance writing but emphasizes the importance of responsible use and transparency with faculty.
• 🏛️ The incident raises questions about how educational institutions need to evolve their assessment methods and policies regarding AI tools.
• 🤔 There is a call for a reevaluation of policies and understanding of AI's role in education to prevent similar incidents and support student success.

Q & A

What issue did Marley Stevens face after using Grammarly for her paper?

Marley Stevens received a 0 on her assignment because the professor considered her use of Grammarly, which employs generative AI, as unintentional cheating.

How many people use Grammarly according to the transcript?

30 million people use Grammarly as a tool for catching spelling errors, typos, and grammar issues.

What was Marley's initial reaction to receiving a 0 on her assignment?

Marley was shocked and thought the professor had sent the email to the wrong person because she had worked hard on her paper.

What consequences did Marley face as a result of this incident?

Marley is still on academic probation, her GPA has dropped, and her scholarship is at risk.

How did the university respond to the situation involving Grammarly?

The university had Grammarly listed on its website as a tool for students, but it was taken down from the website after the incident.

What is Grammarly's stance on the use of their tool by students?

Grammarly believes they provide a responsible way for students to enhance their writing and that they are a great partner in helping institutions craft policies around the safe usage of AI.

What has Grammarly done to support Marley after her appeal was lost?

Grammarly has stepped in and donated $4,000 to support Marley.

What is Marley's current situation regarding her academic record?

Marley is still fighting to clear her record, and she is on academic probation until February 16th of the following year.

How does Grammarly describe their role in the new world of work?

Grammarly sees themselves as a great partner in helping institutions and organizations craft policies around the safe and responsible usage of AI in writing.

What does Jenny Maxwell suggest needs to happen in higher education regarding writing assessment?

Jenny Maxwell suggests that higher education needs to evolve the way they assess writing, particularly in light of the integration of AI tools like Grammarly.

What is Marley's next step in resolving this issue with her school?

Marley has been in contact with a lawyer and is exploring legal options, as the school has not provided a clear path forward for her to appeal the hearing decision.