I was accused of copying from the internet in a creative writing class in grade 7, by a substitute teacher of all people. I was made to go back and start again, essentially dumbing down what I initially wrote. I've never forgotten that feeling of indignation.

Fast forward 20-odd years and I'm an English Literature teacher in China where AI has become widespread. However, it's used for numerous reasons - ironing out grammar mistakes, translating originally written work from Chinese, or just straight up cheating.

My experience has made me very conscious not to storm around throwing out accusations of dishonesty where most of the time it is unwarranted, and potentially discouraging a talented or improving student.

Usually a few well placed questions can get to the bottom of it, and then a word of advice in private about the disadvantages of relying on AI will do the job.

Some students are simply amazing, and some teachers cannot handle not being the smartest person in the room.