AI Typing simulators are making Chrome extensions for Google Docs unreliable

Learn more about AI human-like typing simulators and their impact on assessing the authenticity of a student work.

In the rapidly evolving space of AI in education and academic integrity, one approach that is widely becoming popular is looking at draft data of student work with the use of certain Chrome extensions that can show drafts of student work. However, a new challenge has emerged and it is the rise of human-like AI typing simulators, which can type text that closely mimics human writing. In this blog, we will discuss how these extensions can easily be bypassed and why Rumi is not susceptible to this.

What are AI Typing Simulators

Human-like typing simulators are one of the latest challenges educators face. They are plugins, tools that replicate almost perfectly human typing, recreating the nuanced behaviors such as:

  • Edits
  • Typos
  • Revisions
  • Pauses
  • Speed

These capabilities make it difficult or nearly impossible to be detected by a professor looking at the draft history of a student’s work. Students may use these tools to copy-paste text directly from GenAI platforms such as ChatGPT, Copilot and others, using typing simulators and claim the final work as their own by showcasing the draft history. These new tools, such as Undetectable AI or Human Typing Simulation represent a new challenge in maintaining academic honesty.

Undetectable AI Typing Chrome Extension

AI Human Typing Simulator

For educators, this presents a significant problem. Tools that typically track revisions in documents, like those in Google Docs, fail to detect whether the content was typed by a student or a human-like typing simulator extension. This poses a serious threat to the authenticity of academic submissions, as students could use these simulators to complete assignments without genuinely engaging in the learning process.

Limitations of current Google Doc Chrome extensions

Plugins and platforms that can verify the writing history of a Google Doc can only see the draft history; they cannot detect whether or not a browser extension that mimics human typing was used during typing. They can only look at data after the fact, since they are not a protected platform.

This gap in detection means that there is no way for instructors, teachers and professors to ensure that the work submitted by students is truly their own.

How Rumi Spots and Blocks AI Typing Simulators

By assigning an assignment on Rumi, instructors can insure a working space free of typing simulators.  Rumi addresses this challenge head-on by not allowing any third party extension or plugin to function on the platform - similar to how ad-blocks work. The user will simply not be able to access the platform if a third party plugin such as is detected. 

Ad block pop-up

Rumi monitors the writing process in real-time, capturing every keystroke, edit, and revision as they happen, giving full insights into the writing process. By storing this data securely in the cloud, it provides a detailed overview of how a document was created, including the time spent on each part of the assignment. This data solidifies the authenticity of the student’s work.

Rumi’s Approach

Rumi is dedicated to supporting schools in implementing responsible AI policies by offering insights into the writing process, promoting ethical AI use, academic integrity and honesty sets it apart from other writing tools. By focusing on transparency and security, Rumi ensures that the work students submit reflects their true abilities. At the same time, it respects privacy and makes it easier for educators to uphold academic standards.

This comprehensive approach not only helps educators maintain fairness but also encourages students to engage more deeply in their learning, knowing that their efforts will be accurately reflected in their grades.

Conclusion

As AI technology continues to evolve, so too must the tools that safeguard academic integrity. Rumi offers a robust solution to the challenges posed by AI typing simulators, providing educators with the means to ensure that student work remains authentic and meaningful.

Learn how Rumi can help your institution embrace AI with policy