First it was chatbots. Then invisible AI assistants. Now it’s Google’s homework helper that’s putting exam integrity at risk. As more homework help tools like this will inevitably appear, it’s important to understand what they can do and how to prevent them from being used during exams.
What is Google homework helper?
Google’s homework helper is a Chrome browser tool that combines Lens and Gemini to provide immediate answers when exam questions or other content are highlighted. It uses Google Lens to select the elements and Gemini to provide answers, explanations, step-by-step instructions, and additional resources to learn more about the topic.
How does Google homework help work?
- Google homework help tool works on any tests, pages, and content within the LMS, test delivery platform, or other websites accessed in Chrome or Google App.
- The homework helper is part of Google Lens, and launches when learners click the Google Lens icon, which appears in the Chrome search bar and browser navigation.
- After it launching it, learners highlight test questions and receive answers, or select other on-screen information they need help with.
- Google’s homework helper uses Gemini to provide answers, explanations, videos, and other resources in a browser side panel.
- Learners can also use their phones to access Google’s AI homework helper through the Google app or Lens app. To get help, they can point the camera at a question or upload a photo.
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How to prevent the use of Google homework helper during exams
Browser lockdown software isn’t enough to prevent the use of homework help features because test takers can still use other devices. Tests need to be remotely proctored to prevent test takers from using Google’s homework helper and other similar tools, such as Microsoft Edge’s Copilot.
The proctoring software should be able to:
- Detect and flag the attempted use of any homework help features in the browser.
- Pause the exam to inform the test taker that those features are not permitted.
- Alert a live proctor to review the behavior and address the situation if necessary.
Additional proctoring tools to block other types of AI
Preventing AI cheating is tricky because so many different tools exist and they can be accessed in different ways across almost any device. For example:
- Test takers can open chatbots in any device with a browser or even use voice commands to navigate them.
- AI assistants like Cluely, which operate like transparent chatbot teleprompters, can be controlled with simple keyboard shortcuts on the test-taker’s device or run on a second device that stays out of the webcam’s view.
The examples could go on and on, but the point is that you’ll need proctoring software with tools to detect and prevent the use of AI, such as:
- Cell phone detection: Detects attempts to look up questions on cell phones and other secondary devices like smartwatches and tablets, and the presence of Apple devices in the test environment.
- Application blocking: Test admins can allow specific applications needed to take the test (e.g., Word, Excel, coding platform) while blocking all other applications, including invisible AI assistants, screen recorders, and remote access applications.
- Smart speech detection: Listens for test takers to say phrases that activate AI assistants like Siri and Alexa.
- Recording and monitoring: Desktop activity and behavior are recorded and monitored during exams and a second side camera can be used to provide a full view of the test environment.
While Google’s homework helper was created with good intentions to support learners, it also makes preventing cheating more difficult. Honorlock’s proctoring technology is built to stay ahead of tools (any everything else) like this and keep exams secure and fair.
