Hey everyone! I've noticed that some students using Chromebooks are taking advantage of the AI Search button on Google, which lets them dodge assignment requirements. We've been looking for ways to block this feature on a network level or through Google Admin, but it seems tricky. Aside from keeping a close watch in the classroom, does anyone have suggestions or strategies that have proven effective in managing this issue? We're not looking to block all AI sites, just trying to disable the AI search results as the default option or somehow block the AI search button. Any help would be appreciated!
5 Answers
Consider applying policies through Google Admin. There’s an ADMX setting that allows you to turn off AI mode for Chrome. You can also set up network-level blocks for the UDM parameter (udm=50) in the search URL.
You might want to check out some browser extensions that can help block the AI search functionality. Just make sure to vet them for security, especially since they’ll be used by kids.
Yeah, we’ve looked at some extensions too, but it’s tough to find ones we can trust.
In addition to blocking URLs, consider changing the Google web shortcut to something like `{google:baseURL}/search?udm=14&q=%s`. There are also extensions designed to disable AI features, which might be helpful.
Thanks for sharing! We’re actively exploring different solutions and have put some policies in place already.
One approach that I've seen work is to assign students specific prompts to use AI and then have them critique the AI's responses. This can spark a lot of interesting discussions on its limitations.
That’s a creative idea! It won’t fit every assignment, but it’s worth trying!
You could block Google entirely and encourage using DuckDuckGo instead. Just a heads up—DDG has also started giving AI-generated answers sometimes, so that might not be foolproof either.
Yeah, blocking Google sounds extreme, and I'm not sure it would go over well with our curriculum team.
I tried blocking *udm=50* too, but the AI search URL changes dynamically so it only works part-time. I'll definitely check out the ADMX settings!