How Is AI Use and Cheating Prevented in the CLAA?

How Is AI Use and Cheating Prevented in the CLAA?

The Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) is committed to preserving the integrity of its classical curriculum. While students work independently at their own pace, the program includes multiple safeguards that discourage and detect dishonest use of AI tools or other forms of cheating.

1. Multiple Assessments for Every Lesson
- Unlike modern schools, which often rely on a few high-stakes tests, CLAA courses contain multiple assessments for each lesson.
- Students complete quizzes, written exercises, and mastery checks throughout the course.
- This structure makes it extremely difficult for students to pass a course without genuine understanding.
- Cheating on one activity cannot cover gaps in knowledge because assessments are spread throughout the entire course.

2. Timed Quizzes and Tests
- All quizzes and exams are timed.
- Time limits make it difficult to consult external sources or AI tools during assessments.
- Students who have not truly mastered the material will not be able to complete assessments accurately under time pressure.

3. No Copy and Paste Function
- Copying and pasting answers into quiz fields is disabled in the Moodle system.
- This prevents students from inserting content generated by AI or other external tools.

4. AI Detection for Written Assignments
- All written assessments are scanned by an AI detection tool.
- Submissions flagged for possible AI use are reviewed manually by an instructor.
- This ensures that written work reflects the student’s own understanding and engagement with the lesson.

5. Live Examinations for Certificates and Diplomas
- Students pursuing official certificates or diplomas must pass live oral or written examinations.
- These assessments are conducted directly with an instructor, ensuring students can explain and apply what they have learned without external help.
- This final verification step guarantees that only students with real mastery receive official academic recognition.

6. Parental or Teacher Supervision
- Since most CLAA students work in homeschool or private school settings, parents and teachers play a critical role in maintaining academic integrity.
- Parents and teachers are expected to:
  - Supervise assessment environments when possible
  - Ensure students are not using unauthorized assistance during quizzes or tests
  - Monitor patterns of student activity and intervene when work appears inconsistent with real ability
- This partnership between the CLAA and parents or teachers is essential for preserving honesty and accountability.

7. High Standards for Mastery
- CLAA emphasizes mastery over single-attempt performance.
- Because students can retake quizzes and resubmit written assignments, short-term cheating offers no real advantage.
- Students must demonstrate consistent understanding across multiple assessments to succeed.

8. Personal Accountability
- CLAA studies are built on the expectation of honesty, discipline, and virtue.
- Students are expected to complete their work faithfully and prepare for live examinations with integrity.

Summary
- Multiple assessments per lesson make sustained cheating difficult.
- Timed quizzes and tests discourage reliance on AI or external aids.
- Copy/paste is disabled to block AI-generated text.
- Written assignments are scanned with AI detection tools and reviewed manually.
- Live examinations verify real mastery before certificates or diplomas are awarded.
- Parents and teachers are responsible for supervising students and upholding academic integrity in home or school settings.
- CLAA emphasizes honesty, mastery, and personal responsibility throughout the learning process.