How to Prevent Students from Using AI for Homework

Let’s face it: students today have more ways than ever to get their homework done fast. And while technology is an amazing tool, it can also be pretty tempting for students to cut corners. So, how do teachers keep students from taking the easy way out and ensure they’re actually doing the work?

School Device Coverage suggests the following ideas to help keep your students on track:

If you want to make sure students are doing their own work, design assignments that require personal opinions or unique perspectives. Anyone can look up facts or rephrase things they read, but only your students can share their own thoughts. Give them something they can’t just find on the internet—ask them how they felt about a character in a book or what they would have done differently in a historical event.

Honestly, when students have to write about themselves or reflect on class discussions, it’s much harder for them to outsource the assignment.

Try this: tie homework directly to what happened in class. Maybe have students build off a discussion from earlier or reflect on a group project. When they need to reference something specific that happened in class, it keeps the work personal and relevant.

If a student knows their assignment depends on something said by a classmate or the outcome of a class debate, they’re going to be more engaged in both the discussion and the work that follows.

Don’t just ask for a finished product—have students show their progress along the way. Ask for outlines, drafts, and rough ideas. When the steps to completing the assignment are part of the grade, it forces students to stay involved from start to finish.

For example, instead of simply grading the final essay, ask them to hand in their rough draft or a mind map. That way, you can see their thought process, and it’s much easier to tell if they’ve actually done the work themselves.

Students tend to put in more effort when they know their peers are involved. Try using peer review for assignments—students will often put more care into their work if they know someone else is going to read it. Plus, when students give each other feedback, it adds another layer of accountability.

Group projects can work well for this too. If a student knows their contribution is part of a larger group effort, they’re less likely to rely on shortcuts.

Sometimes, students just don’t realize what counts as cutting corners. Having a conversation about academic integrity can make all the difference. Explain why doing their own work matters—not just because of the consequences, but because it helps them learn and grow.

And hey, mistakes happen. Make sure students feel comfortable asking for help if they’re struggling. If they know they can come to you when they’re stuck, they’re less likely to turn to quick fixes.

Students are a lot less likely to take shortcuts when they know you’re paying attention to their personal progress. If they get regular, personalized feedback, it shows them that you care about their learning and their growth. Plus, you’ll start to recognize their writing style, making it easier to spot when something’s off.

Check in with them. Offer constructive feedback and let them know where they’re doing well and where they can improve. When students feel seen, they’re more motivated to do the work themselves.

At the end of the day, it’s all about fostering a learning environment where students value their own growth. By giving them assignments that challenge their thinking, staying connected to their progress, and emphasizing the process over the final product, you’ll help them develop the skills they need to succeed—not just in school but beyond.

And just like your classroom supports growth, School Device Coverage is here to ensure that technology remains an aid, not a distraction. With our device protection plans, we help keep your students connected, so they can stay focused on what really matters—learning.