Book Bytes: The Opposite of Cheating: Teaching for Integrity in the Age of AI

June 11, 2025 / Digital Learning / Tags: Book Bytes, Online Teaching, Digital Learning

"Enhancing learning and integrity is, after all, The Opposite of Cheating and is premised on an optimistic, growth-oriented approach to addressing cheating."

Video (5:02)

What is the topic?

Tricia Gallant and David Rettinger's The Opposite of Cheating: Teaching for Integrity in the Age of AI offers a timely and practical guide for faculty navigating the challenges of AI in education. Grounded in research, the book encourages us to rethink assessments, build trust with students, and design learning experiences that promote integrity. Instead of focusing on catching misconduct, the authors show how thoughtful, student-centered teaching can make integrity the more likely default. With actionable strategies and real-life examples, this book is a valuable resource and full of ideas you can implement in your classroom (online, hybrid, or in-person).

Why is this topic important?

The Opposite of Cheating encourages a shift toward research-supported teaching practices that foster authentic learning, ethical development, and meaningful student relationships. Gallant and Rettinger provide practical, research-based strategies that help educators design assessments and learning environments where integrity is the most likely natural outcome. By centering the student as a person and embracing the realities of generative AI in the classroom, the book supports faculty in adapting thoughtfully and upholding academic values in their classroom.

Who can use this information?

All instructors/faculty
Administrators & Institutional leaders
Instructional Designers

Key Takeaways

The opposite of cheating is learning, not just integrity.
The authors emphasize that the true antidote to cheating is not stricter surveillance or harsher penalties - it's meaningful learning. When students are engaged, supported, and see value in what they are learning, they are far less likely to cheat. This book encourages educators to focus on designing learning experiences that are relevant, motivating, and rooted in curiosity.
We must rethink assessment in the age of AI.
With generative AI tools capable of completing many traditional assignments, the author urge faculty to revisit what and how they assess learning. Are your assessments still measuring what matters? Are they authentic, reflective, or real-world skills, and resistant to automation? This book provides strategies for designing assessments that promote integrity and deeper learning.
Build relationships and foster trust in your courses.
At the heart of academic integrity is the student-teacher relationship. Gallant and Rettinger advocate for a human-centered approach to teaching - one that prioritizes empathy, communication, and trust. When students feel seen, supported, and respected, they are more likely to act with integrity. This relational approach is especially critical in a digital world where students may feel increasingly disconnected.

Coming Soon! The Opposite of Cheating will be an FGCU eBook. Read it for free!

References:

Gallant, T. B., & Rettinger, D. A. (2024). The opposite of cheating: Teaching for integrity in the age of AI. Harvard Education Press.

Portions of this blog post and video script were developed with support from OpenAI’s ChatGPT, used to refine and condense initial drafts.