Popular editing software Grammarly is making waves in the world of AI content creation with the release of its new tool, Authorship. This tool is designed to provide detailed insights into whether an author’s work has been generated or edited using AI technology.
Authorship will initially be available for beta testing in Google Docs for all Grammarly customers in September 2024, with plans to expand to Microsoft Word and Pages by the end of the same year. While Grammarly offers a free editing service, more advanced features like altering content tone, plagiarism checking, and AI-powered text generation are available for $12 per month.
What sets Authorship apart is its ability to analyze a given text at a granular level, distinguishing between words written by the author, those edited by AI, and even those copied from external sources. The tool also flags any instances of an “unnatural typing pattern,” providing a comprehensive breakdown of the text’s origin.
However, some educators and administrators are skeptical about the usefulness of such detailed analysis. Bill Vacca, director of instructional technology at Mohonasen Central School District in New York, expressed concerns about the complexity of determining the authenticity of a paper. Vacca noted the challenges of using AI checkers to make definitive rulings, leading many schools to abandon them altogether.
Authorship acknowledges the nuanced nature of content creation, recognizing that a student’s work may contain a mix of original, AI-generated, or copied elements. This realistic approach aims to foster a productive dialogue about the role of AI in education, rather than creating a contentious environment between students and professors.
Jenny Maxwell, Head of Grammarly for Education, emphasized the importance of addressing the lack of clarity surrounding AI detection tools in academia. Maxwell highlighted the need for a tool like Authorship to facilitate a constructive conversation about the use of AI in educational settings.
Despite the potential benefits of tools like Authorship, some educators prefer to focus on teaching rather than policing AI use. While Authorship offers a more sophisticated perspective on content creation, it remains to be seen whether it will be widely adopted in educational institutions.
In conclusion, Grammarly’s new AI anti-cheating tool, Authorship, represents a significant advancement in content creation technology. By providing detailed insights into the origins of a text, Authorship aims to promote transparency and accountability in academic writing. While some may have reservations about the use of AI in education, tools like Authorship have the potential to enhance the learning experience for students and educators alike.
