EDT114 Adam Sparks Part 1: Should we use AI-Detection tools?

Adam Sparks joins the show to convince every educator to ditch
AI-detection tools and focus on what really matters: the writing
process.  We discuss alternatives to AI-detection like
Brisk, Draftback, revision history tracking, and Short Answer and
share actionable strategies to teach writing effectively in the
age of AI. From fostering transparency with students to
leveraging powerful tools for formative assessment, this
conversation is packed with insights to elevate your writing
instruction. Plus: Instant Pear Decks, Canva Dream Lab, and new
Google Forms Settings.


#EduDuctTape Episode 114



Today's Sponsors

VIZOR - vizor.cloud/jake

Swivl - MirrorTalk.ai




SoapBox Moment - “Cholesterol, Cheating, and Heartaches
from AI-Detection Tools”

“The Basement Tapes” from the Revisionist History podcast
by Malcolm Gladwell -
pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/the-basement-tapes

Adam Spark’s blog on AI Detection -
adamsparks.substack.com/p/ai-detection-doesnt-work-heres-the




Today’s Guest: Adam Sparks
taught for 7 years before recently finishing his Masters in
Learning Design and Technology at Stanford. At Stanford, Adam
designed a writing  tool called Short Answer that he now
builds full time. As a part of his work with Short Answer, Adam
leads PD with schools across the country on adjusting writing
instruction in the wake of AI.


Contact Info:   Email:
adam@myshortanswer.com, Website: myshortanswer.com, Twitter:
@mrsparkstweets Bluesky: @adamsparks.bsky.social




2 Truths & 1 Lie

“Everything works somewhere; nothing works everywhere.” -
Dylan William in his book Creating the Schools Our Children
Need




Educational Duct Tape Question: How should educators
teach & assess writing in the age of AI? Also, should we
use AI-Detection Tools?

First, why not use AI Detection tools?

NAEP Scores

Adam’ blog on AI Detection -
adamsparks.substack.com/p/ai-detection-doesnt-work-heres-the

Debora Weber-Wulff’s article -
arxiv.org/abs/2306.15666

U of Maryland study - “Is AI-Generated Content
Actually Detectable?” -
cmns.umd.edu/news-events/news/ai-generated-content-actually-detectable

Open AI blog post -
help.openai.com/en/articles/8313351-how-can-educators-respond-to-students-presenting-ai-generated-content-as-their-own



Free Alternatives

Revision History

Draftback -
chromewebstore.google.com/detail/draftback/nnajoiemfpldioamchanognpjmocgkbg?hl=en-US&pli=1

Brisk - briskteaching.com/ai-tools/inspect-writing



Clear classroom policies

AI Assessment scale webinar with Leon Furze &
Mike Perkins:
myshortanswer.com/assessing-writing-in-the-age-of-ai-the-case-for-assessment-scales

AI use scale (red, yellow, green, for example)

“Everything works somewhere; nothing works
everywhere.” - Dylan William in his book Creating the
Schools Our Children Need

Anna Mills on Blue Sky -
bsky.app/profile/annamillsoer.bsky.social

Academic integrity



Shortform, formative, targeted, in-class writing

Dylan William

Short Answer - myshortanswer.com

Dylan Wiliam webinar recording:
myshortanswer.com/webinar-recording-for-ai-k12-assessment-a-conversation-with-dr-dylan-wiliam






Edu News I’ve Got My Peepers On:


AI-Generated Lessons in Pear Deck - Stacey
Roshan’s tutorial -
youtu.be/G7hpt8vtZHk?si=5qdVPI41pofK-LHh&t=42


Canva Dream Lab -
canva.com/newsroom/news/droptober-education-2024


New Google Forms Control Options -
workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2024/12/add-granular-control-to-google-forms.html