In a world where AI is becoming more relevant in everyday lives, popular artificial intelligence program, ChatGPT, took only two months to reach over one hundred million users. Today, ChatGPT is the cause of controversy on whether or not it should be banned in schools due to growing concerns of its impact on students’ education and academic dishonesty. The AI can be used to answer questions, generate written assignments, and so much more. Simply write it a question and in seconds ChatGPT will respond with a high quality answer.

“I do think ChatGPT does impact learning and shouldn’t be allowed,” said an anonymous student. “Speaking from my experience, it’s nice when it can do your work for you but then when you actually need to know what you’re learning about like on tests, I feel like it’s better to actually understand your work instead of just using ChatGPT.” A different student who also wished to remain anonymous said, “I think it should be banned for assignments like papers.”

But an opposing point of view exists:

“I love ChatGPT, I don’t think it should be banned at all,” said a third anonymous student. When asked whether or not they thought ChatGPT affected their learning they replied, “No, not at all because most of the stuff I don’t really want to learn about.”

Responses like this one are what have caused growing concern among schools regarding academic dishonesty. Schools want to make sure that their students are doing original work. ChatGPT is currently blocked on SCH devices and can be tracked using AI detectors which take into account the language submitted and can tell if an AI like ChatGPT has been used.

However, other AI programs can be used to hide the usage of AIs like ChatGPT.

“I use a different AI software to ‘de-ChatGPT’ my ChatGPT,” said another anonymous student. “First you have to use ChatGPT, then you have to paraphrase it in your own words and then you can put it through a language converter and then you rephrase the sentences.”

Despite mixed opinions on the use of ChatGPT, a middle ground is expressed that ChatGPT should not be banned in school completely but rather can be used responsibly to enhance learning. “I don’t think it should be banned entirely,” an anonymous student said, “I think it affects learning positively when used correctly.”

Opportunities for AI to be used to enhance learning in schools have been conveyed by an online study.

The study suggests AI can catch spelling and grammar mistakes, help students’ reading comprehension and writing skills grow and create a more personalized learning experience.

Additionally it suggests that AI can help teachers create a more effective and efficient plan for teaching. From creating practice problems to giving detailed answers to problems, the study says AI has the possibility to help engage classrooms and provide a deeper understanding of materials.

References: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1041608023000195