Rubrics play a critical role in virtual education, particularly in contexts where students have access to artificial intelligence tools. Well-designed rubrics help clarify expectations, define performance standards, and make assessment criteria transparent for both instructors and students. By focusing on learning outcomes such as critical thinking, application of concepts, originality, and reflection, rubrics allow instructors to evaluate the quality of student work beyond surface-level writing. In online environments, rubrics also promote consistency and fairness in grading, reduce ambiguity, and support meaningful feedback. Rather than preventing the use of AI, rubrics can guide students toward responsible and ethical use by emphasizing process, understanding, and value-added contributions.
