How to Choose the Best AI Detection Tool for Teachers

As AI tools become more prevalent, so too does their use in the classroom – meaning AI content detection tools are only going to become more necessary too. The thing is, if you’re looking for the best AI content detection tool that’s best for you as an educator, where do you begin? 

Here, we cover the essential questions and help you to make an informed decision, minus the overwhelm.

Understand the basics of AI Detection 

AI content detectors analyze text to see if it was written by a human or an AI system, using algorithms to look at how words and sentences are used and comparing the text to large collections of known AI-generated and human-written content. 

Some of the top AI detection tools are: 

• GPTZero
• Turnitin
• Originality.ai

These AI detection tools are becoming more prevalent in classrooms and workplaces to maintain originality and academic integrity. Knowing the basics of AI detection can help you assess which is best for you. Here is how they generally work: 

• They scan for writing patterns. Much like how you might recognize a friend's writing style, these tools look for telltale signs of AI writing (e.g. repeated phrases or unusual word combinations) and compare these patterns to what they know about both human and AI writing. 
• They check against databases. Different tools have different specialties - while some tools focus on spotting academic copying, others specialize in identifying AI writing characteristics, which can be helpful if you’re concerned about originality rather than direct plagiarism. 
• They calculate how likely it is that AI created the text. These tools give you a score or percentage (although that accuracy varies between tools). Some tools show you exactly which parts seem AI-generated and explain their reasoning, so that you can understand what went into their analysis. 

Identify additional desired features 

With the list of AI detection tools growing longer and longer, a helpful first step is to get as clear as you can on the bonus features that you value most. As an educator, you might find these are at the top of your list: 

Plagiarism checking 

While AI detectors and plagiarism checkers both work to verify content authenticity, they approach the task in different ways. AI detection works like a digital language analyst, using sophisticated algorithms to examine the nuances of writing patterns and predict whether a piece of text was generated by an AI tool.

Meanwhile, plagiarism checkers are more like content comparison tools that scan through massive databases of existing writing to find matching or similar text. They look for overlapping content and highlight any suspicious similarities they find.

Lots of AI detection tools bundle plagiarism detection with AI content detection. If you’re looking for a tool that goes beyond AI, make sure plagiarism detection is on your list.

LMS integration

Integration with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle is particularly valuable in educational settings. This means more streamlined assignment submission and verification processes, making it easier to efficiently manage large numbers of student submissions. Being able to automatically check over student work that has been submitted via an LMS can save a lot of time and simplify your workflow, especially when there are bigger classes or multiple assignments at once. 

Compatibility with different document formats

Since students often work across different platforms and file types, the ability to handle multiple submission formats is a huge bonus. A tool that can process everything from basic text documents to PDFs can save you a lot of grading time and also cuts out the need for file conversions. A tool that supports multiple formats means you can focus on giving students feedback instead of fiddling around with file conversions. 

Analyze the pros and cons of various tools

When it comes to the strengths and weaknesses of the different tools available, this is an idea of what you’ll want to evaluate: 

Pricing and subscription models

Some tools have free versions, but most tend to be paid services with subscription models. Ask yourself what makes sense for you: is the tool an essential one, or something you’ll only use occasionally? Subscription costs can add up, especially if multiple users need access.

See whether the tool offers educational pricing or institutional licenses. Many providers understand the budget constraints in education and offer specialized packages for schools, universities or departments. 

Usability and interface design 

A tool might have incredible functionality, but if it’s difficult to use, it won’t be as helpful as you need it to be. An intuitive design can make a noticeable difference, especially if your goal is to train others to use it. The tools with the most efficient onboarding time tend to come with simple dashboards and clear instructions. Look out for interfaces where you can quickly upload, check and understand the results. 

User reviews 

One of the best ways to figure out the potential of a tool is to check out what others are saying via a quick Google search. Other educators’ reviews on forums, websites or social media can help you consider pros and potential cons you might not have thought about (e.g. the ease of integrating it into your existing teaching schedule, how responsive customer service is, and whether specific features work as advertised). 

Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Tool

Taking all the above into consideration will help you organize the different tools into a shortlist tailored to your specific needs. Here are some key questions that might clarify which tool best aligns with your requirements:

• Do I need plagiarism detection or AI detection – or both? This will help you narrow your options and point you towards tools that address the aspect most relevant for you.
• What’s my budget? If your institution can invest, look for tools with educational pricing or institutional licenses.
• How important is ease of use? If you’ll be using the tool frequently or training others on it, the user interface should be intuitive. 
• Do I need integration with specific learning management systems (LMS)? Check whether the tool you’re considering is compatible with the platforms you already use, such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle.
• What privacy protections does the tool offer? Since student submissions involve sensitive data, ensure the tool follows data protection guidelines, such as GDPR compliance in the UK or Europe, and offers clear privacy terms.

Some tools might require a bit of trial and error before you can truly decide if they’re the right fit. Many AI tools offer free trials or demo versions, which you can use to explore them in practice and see how they support your teaching goals. By trying out different features and assessing how each tool supports your teaching goals, you’ll be better positioned to make an informed decision that meets your requirements and makes life easier.