How Students Cheat Using ChatGPT and Generative AI in E-Learning
Since the release of ChatGPT, educators around the globe have seen a rising wave of concern — and let’s be honest, a fair bit of confusion — around how students use AI to cheat in online learning environments. It’s a sharp reminder that while artificial intelligence promises efficiency, it also creates new cracks in academic integrity.
At Pukunui, we’ve worked closely with universities and training institutions using Moodle™ software to manage their e-learning platforms. We’ve seen firsthand how AI tools, especially generative AI like ChatGPT, have shifted the way students engage — and cheat — in online assessments. Understanding how and why students use ChatGPT to cheat is key to strengthening your institution’s defenses.
This post tackles AI-assisted cheating in e-learning head-on. We’ll unpack why many students are turning to AI chatbots, how educators can detect and prevent cheating with AI, and what tools and tactics actually work.
What Is AI-Assisted Cheating in E-Learning?
The short version? It’s when students use AI tools — like ChatGPT, AI writing assistants, or even automated code generators — to complete academic work dishonestly. This could include:
- Generating essays or reports using generative AI
- Using AI chatbots during online exams
- Translating code with AI tools to bypass plagiarism detection
- Rephrasing someone else’s work quickly with AI rewriting tools
It’s not just a few bad apples. A recent study of cheating behavior found that many students are using AI to bypass assignments, especially in online learning settings where traditional invigilation is limited. And honestly, some of them aren’t even trying very hard to hide it.
Why Students Are Using AI to Cheat
There’s no one reason why students cheat, but AI has made it faster, easier, and harder to detect. A few common motivators include:
- Pressure to perform — Tight deadlines, high academic expectations, and burnout push students to cut corners.
- Lack of digital literacy policies — Many institutions haven’t implemented clear guidelines on the ethical use of AI tools.
- Ease of access — AI chatbots like ChatGPT are free and instantly available. It doesn’t take much effort to generate an entire essay in seconds.
- Perceived low risk — AI-generated text might not get flagged in traditional plagiarism software. That assumed safety tempts students.
Recognising Cheating and Plagiarism from AI Tools
Spotting AI-assisted cheating can be tricky. Tools like ChatGPT produce high-quality content that often looks legitimate. But there are warning signs:
- Sudden changes in tone or writing style
- Work that’s factually vague but grammatically perfect
- Responses that mirror wording commonly found in AI-generated content
- Submissions with generic or excessively neutral phrasing
When in doubt, tools like AI detectors can help flag suspicious sections. But use them carefully. They’re not infallible — and neither are students.
The Real Challenge: AI Cheating Detection in Assessments
Let’s be honest: AI detectors are only part of the solution. Tools can’t catch everything, especially when students are smart about how they use ChatGPT or other platforms.
Here’s what institutions need:
- AI detection tools that integrate directly with your Moodle™ learning environment
- Human oversight — educators need to know what AI-generated work actually looks like
- Assessment design that discourages cheating from the start
It’s not just about catching students after the fact. It’s about designing systems that make it harder to cheat — and less appealing.
Redesign Assessments to Prevent Generative AI Use
One of the most effective ways to prevent AI cheating? Change the way you assess students. Traditional essays and multiple-choice quizzes are especially vulnerable to automated responses. More robust approaches include:
- Oral assessments where students explain their reasoning live
- Open-ended projects requiring reflection, practical application, or peer collaboration
- Timed writing exercises within the Moodle™ platform’s quiz tools
- Assessment scaffolding — breaking assignments into stages with feedback points
These methods not only prevent cheating with AI but also encourage genuine learning. It’s a double win.
Build AI Literacy Among Educators and Students
Here’s the tricky part: AI isn’t going away. Educators and students both need to understand how artificial intelligence fits into their learning — ethically.
AI literacy helps students make smarter, responsible choices. It teaches them not just what not to do, but how to use AI as a support tool rather than a workaround.
Ideas to teach AI literacy include:
- Host a webinar or online course exploring ethical AI use
- Include quick tutorials inside your LMS about when AI tools are permitted
- Get students to critique an AI-generated response — why is it weak? What’s missing?
Honestly, most students aren’t trying to break the rules. They just need better education on what the rules are.
Deploy Strong Detection Systems in Your LMS
Your Learning Management System — especially Moodle-based ones — should do more than just serve content. It can also help catch misconduct when you configure it right. That includes:
- AI detector plugins that scan written assignments for language patterns
- Plagiarism scanners that now include AI-content detection (e.g., Turnitin with AI-checking modules or Compilatio)
- User analytics to monitor submission timing and patterns
- Session logging to track browser usage, copy-pasting, or high-speed typing
When students use AI to cheat inside a Moodle™ software environment, the right configurations will help you flag anomalies early.
Talk Openly About Academic Cheating with Students
One of the most overlooked strategies? Just talk to your students. Open, honest conversations about AI use, cheating, and responsible learning go a long way toward building trust and accountability. Try this:
- Ask students directly how they use AI tools and what they find helpful
- Create a digital honor code that includes AI use rules
- Include AI scenarios in integrity workshops or new-student inductions
Invite feedback. You might be surprised by how many students don’t want to cheat, but feel the system forces them to “keep up.”
Use Real-Time Monitoring During Online Assessments
If you’re delivering assessments entirely online via Moodle™, consider stricter real-time monitoring protocols:
- Browser lockdown tools
- Live proctoring or screen supervision tools
- Facial recognition or ID verification systems
Yes, it’s more work — but you wouldn’t leave your classroom door open during an exam, right?
FAQs About AI-Assisted Cheating in e-Learning
What is considered AI-assisted cheating in e-learning?
AI-assisted cheating occurs when students use tools like ChatGPT or other generative AI platforms to produce work they submit as their own. This might include essays, programming assignments, or even real-time responses during quizzes or discussions.
Can AI-generated content be detected accurately?
While no detector is perfect, many AI detection tools have become quite reliable. Software such as Turnitin and Compilatio now includes AI-language pattern recognition features, but results should always be reviewed by a human educator.
How do students commonly cheat using AI chatbots?
Students may input assignment prompts directly into ChatGPT, copy the AI’s output, and submit it unchanged. Others reword AI-generated text or use it in conjunction with human-written material to mask the origin.
What are institutions doing to stop cheating with AI?
Educators are refining assessments, incorporating oral exams or project-based tasks, and using LMS-integrated detection tools. Many have launched AI literacy campaigns to help students understand ethical usage.
Is it cheating if a student uses AI to get ideas?
It depends on institutional policy. Generally, using AI for brainstorming or idea generation is acceptable — but copying entire passages without citation or relying on AI to do the bulk of the work is considered cheating.
What role does Moodle™ software play in AI cheating prevention?
Moodle™ platforms can be configured with plugins for AI detection, lock-down browsers, and real-time proctoring. Institutions using Moodle™ software can also build ethical AI use directly into course structure and policies.
Can AI tell if something was written by a student?
AI detectors can estimate if writing matches patterns typically seen in AI-generated content, but they aren’t foolproof. Educator judgment and pattern recognition remain essential in verifying authenticity.
How do we teach students to use AI responsibly?
Offer workshops, include guidelines in syllabi, and normalize discussions on the ethical use of AI. Demonstrate how AI can support — not replace — critical thinking and original work.
Helping Educators Keep Academic Integrity, Without the Guesswork
AI-assisted cheating in e-learning won’t be solved with a single tool or policy. What works is a mix of smart strategies — adapting assessments, training educators, improving AI detection tools, and simply having more candid conversations with your students.
If you’re running an online learning environment using Moodle™ software, and you’re worried about academic cheating or need help setting up stronger detection and prevention features, we’re here to help.
Contact Pukunui today to learn how we support higher-ed institutions — from Moodle™-based platform setup to digital assessment integrity.
