The growing influence of artificial intelligence in education has sparked intense debate among educators. Amy Clukey, a former university professor, voiced her frustration on social media, saying, “I’m no longer a teacher. I’m just a human plagiarism detector.”

Clukey highlights how her time once spent offering constructive feedback to students has now shifted primarily to checking for AI-generated work. Her statement reflects a broader concern that educators are grappling with the changing landscape of student productivity in the era of AI​.

I'm no longer a teacher. I'm just a human plagiarism detector.

I used to spend my grading time giving comments for improving writing skills. Now most of that time is just checking to see if a student wrote their own paper. What a waste of life.

— Dr. Amy Clukey (@AmyClukey) October 4, 2024

As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, the productivity of both students and educators is in question. Many argue that AI can enhance human potential by automating routine tasks, enabling individuals to focus on more creative and critical thinking skills.

However, Clukey’s experience points to a shift in teacher responsibilities, with educators feeling that their efforts are being diluted by the constant need to verify the authenticity of student submissions​.

Despite these challenges, experts believe that AI can drive human productivity when used appropriately.

According to a report by Copyleaks, there has been a 76% increase in AI-generated content among students over the past year, but the rate of plagiarism has decreased by 51% during that same period.

This demonstrates that while AI tools are being integrated into student work, they can also reduce the need for traditional forms of plagiarism​.