Cleaning Up ChatGPT in a Google Doc

I love using ChatGPT as my sidekick, however when I copy and paste the content into a Google Doc I have to spend time cleaning up the formatting. A carriage return space between each paragraph is added. For text that is bold in ChatGPT shows up as **between two asterisks.** Each paragraph is not indented. This can be time consuming to clean up.

ChatGPT Formatting

After ChatGPT outputs the response there is a clipboard icon to copy the text to your clipboard. Control V paste into a new Google Doc.

Remove Blank Lines by AliceKeeler

My latest Google Docs™ Add-on helps to solve these formatting woes. Remove Blank Lines by AliceKeeler collects NO user data. COPPA and FERPA compliant. AND FREE! It is designed to quickly clean up the formatting from pasting from ChatGPT.

Extensions Menu

Use the Extensions menu in a Google Doc. If you do not already have the Add-on installed, click on “Add-ons” and search for Alice Keeler. After approving the Add-on, locate the Add-on in the Extensions menu. Choose the menu option to quickly format the document.

Demonstration of the Add-on

Try Formatting a Google Doc

Use this sample document to test out the Add-on.

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Cleaning Up ChatGPT in a Google Doc

Embracing the power of AI tools like ChatGPT can drastically improve an educator’s efficiency, but it’s not without its challenges. One common issue is the formatting discrepancies when transferring content from ChatGPT into Google Docs.

Step 1: Copy Text from ChatGPT

The first step in the process of cleaning up ChatGPT in a Google Doc is to carefully select and copy the needed text. Be mindful to exclude any unnecessary elements like metadata or timestamps that come with the output.

Step 2: Paste Text into Google Doc

The next step is pasting the text into your Google Doc. To avoid carrying over any undesired formatting, use the “Paste without formatting” option under the Edit menu (or the shortcut CTRL/CMD+Shift+V). This simple trick makes cleaning up ChatGPT in a Google Doc a breeze.

Step 3: Implement Your Preferred Formatting

With your text now in Google Docs, it’s time to apply your preferred formatting. Use the Google Docs toolbar to adjust font, size, color, and alignment to match your document’s existing style. This step is crucial for maintaining consistency when cleaning up ChatGPT in a Google Doc.

Step 4: Review for Inconsistencies

After applying your formatting, review the text for any inconsistencies in spacing, line breaks, or indentations. If any stubborn formatting issues persist, the “Clear formatting” option in Google Docs (found under the Format menu) can be a lifesaver.

Step 5: Proofread the Text

The final step in cleaning up ChatGPT in a Google Doc is proofreading. While ChatGPT generates high-quality content, it’s essential to ensure the transferred text aligns with your intended message and is free from grammatical or spelling errors.

Helping Students to Avoid Academic Dishonesty with ChatGPT

Identifying the improper use of ChatGPT or any other AI tool in student assignments can be challenging but is crucial in maintaining academic integrity. Here are some guidelines to help teachers:

1. Familiarity with Student’s Writing Style

Knowing your students’ writing style is essential. If a student’s assignment suddenly exhibits an abrupt change in style, vocabulary, tone, or sophistication, this could indicate the use of an AI tool like ChatGPT.

2. Consistency with Classroom Performance

Compare the quality of the assignment with the student’s classroom performance. If there is a significant discrepancy, it might be worth further investigation.

3. Depth and Breadth of Content

AI tools like ChatGPT can provide detailed and expansive responses. If a student’s work seems unusually comprehensive or in-depth beyond their demonstrated understanding of the topic, it may be a sign.

4. Use of Advanced or Obscure Vocabulary

A sudden inclusion of advanced or obscure vocabulary that the student does not typically use, or seems unlikely to know, could suggest AI assistance.

5. Perfect Grammar and Syntax

While students can and do improve their grammar skills, flawless grammar and syntax might indicate the use of AI, especially if it’s not consistent with the student’s usual writing.

6. Directly Ask the Student

If you suspect that a student may have used ChatGPT unethically, consider discussing it directly with them. Ask about their process for completing the assignment and their understanding of the content.

7. Promote Reflection

Encourage students to submit a reflection or process note with their assignments, detailing their approach to the task and how they used any resources, including AI. Inconsistencies between the work and reflection might indicate unethical AI use.

Remember, these are only guidelines and might not be definitive proof of unethical behavior. Each situation should be handled individually, and conversations with students should be respectful and constructive, focusing on the importance of learning and academic integrity.