Artificial intelligence isn’t going away and that’s not a bad thing.
AI tools like ChatGPT can help students explore ideas and develop skills, but they also make it easier than ever to cheat without getting caught.
So, how do we teach students to use AI responsibly without compromising academic integrity?
The answer isn’t to ban AI.
It’s to design AI-proof assignments – assessments that make cheating irrelevant and meaningful learning inevitable.
Here’s how to do just that.
1. Require Docs With a History
You don’t have to give up written assignments in an AI-enabled world, you just need a better way to verify authorship.
Tip: Have students submit assignments via online Word or Google Docs – no file uploads allowed. That way, you can review the document’s edit history to see how it was written.
Why It Works:
Both Google Docs and Microsoft Word Online track revision history, so you can spot red flags like:
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Let students know up front: “Just like high school math homework, I only accept your work if you show how you got there.”
2. Make Assignments Personal
Generic prompts are easy for AI to ace. But personal reflections?
Not so much.
Here are some AI-proof reflection questions you can add to any assignment:
- How does [assignment topic] relate to an experience you’ve had in life?
- How can you apply [assignment topic] after graduation?
- Who is someone in your life you’d like to teach [assignment topic] to? Why them?
Why it Works:
By simply adjusting your prompts to require personal experiences, students will often find it easier to respond themselves than to use AI.
This not only increases rigor, it makes learning more meaningful for your students.
3. Try Video Reflections
Want to guarantee authentic submissions? Ask for short video reflections.
Students record a 1–2 minute video answering prompts like:
- What surprised you about this topic?
- How will you apply what you’ve learned?
- What would you tell a friend about this idea?
Why It Works:
AI can’t convincingly mimic a student’s voice, tone, facial expressions, or personal reasoning.
Plus, you can watch submissions at 2x speed and even run the transcripts through AI for quick grading feedback.
Want help integrating this into your class? Check out the video reflections guide below:
💡 For more tips on adding video submissions to your class, check out this article: Video Assignments: More Reflection (and Less Grading)
5. Use AI Feedback Loops for Authentic Iteration
One of the most effective ways to AI-proof assignments is to ensure your students are genuinely engaged.
Sometimes students unintentionally submit low-effort (or plagiarized) work because they don’t realize they’re on the wrong track. That’s where real-time AI feedback comes in.
With ExEC’s AI-powered Feedback Loops, students get instant insights into their work—while they’re working.
Instead of submitting a flawed first draft, they revise and improve on the spot, which helps:
- Reinforce learning through iteration
- Reduce the temptation to outsource work to AI
- Empower students to take ownership of their learning
We’ve seen this process boost engagement in lower-performing students since they’re able to immediately implement any feedback they get.
💡 Feedback Loops are a directly integrated into ExEC, so your students will have high-quality, personalized feedback to ensure the most engaging learning experience.
You can learn more about them in this post or watch the demo below for a quick crash course on this AI-proof assignment tool.
Why AI-Proof Assignments Matter
The goal of education isn’t to prevent students from using tools like AI, it’s to teach them to use those tools wisely.
By raising the rigor of your assignments while encouraging responsible AI use, you help students build real-world skills and in turn, protect the integrity of your classroom.
If you want to see how these strategies are built into a full curriculum, check out the Experiential Entrepreneurship Curriculum (ExEC).
Final Thoughts
Letting students use AI doesn’t mean you’re compromising academic integrity.
It means you’re preparing them for the future while keeping learning honest.
Want to explore more ways to improve your entrepreneurship course? Check out the resources below:
- 5 Strategies to Increase Student Engagement
- AI Simulators that Reduce Student Anxiety and Boost Engagement
- Top 5 Resources for Increasing Online Engagement
Let’s build assignments students can’t fake, and don’t want to fake.
