The Detroit Public Schools Community District is revising its technology use policies to keep up with concerns related to the impact of artificial intelligence tools on student learning. The new draft language states that the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence and natural language processing software tools by students is considered a form of plagiarism and will not be tolerated. Tools such as ChatGPT can be used to write essays, solve mathematical equations, and conduct research, yet only with express permission of a teacher.
The spotlight on AI technology has grown in the recent months with its photorealistic depictions of figures such as Pope Francis as well as its composition of false pop songs. This now prompts some Michigan school officials and educators to assess the risks associated with these tools.
Ausha Mia, a senior from Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, has not encountered these technologies, but is for the constraints and regulations implement by the district. Plagiarism has become a prevalent issue in her school and affects whole classes’ standing grades. Despite this, Carrie Russell, robotics teacher at MLK has not discovered her students’ use of the software yet. However, she believes it will not be too long before they use it.
The policy in Detroit does not restrict the use of AI, as long as it is supervised and monitored by an instructor. New York City and Los Angeles have taken it a step further and blocked student access to the program. Yet, some educators such as Don Killingbeck, superintendent of Hemlock School District, are all for using these tools in the classroom. He has published a book with two other school administrators titled “43 Ways to Be Less Lame as an Educator” which details how these applications can help improve teaching. Similarly, the Dearborn Public Schools are evaluating the risks and benefits of ChatGPT, as stated by district public person, David Mustonen.
Tom Lietz, an associate director with the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals is positive about the use of AI in the classroom. With programs such as Khan Academy already making use of AI to assist their study guides, he expressed his understanding of the fears but reiterated that teachers and people in general can adapt to the change. He is satisfied with AI’s potential for providing student support and finds it exciting.
ChatGPT is a powerful artificial intelligence platform that can be used for various purposes. After thorough evaluation of the impact of such technologies, Detroit Public Schools Community District is taking action to update their policies to ensure secure and appropriate use in the classroom. It is clear that allowing this software can lead to great potential and unprecedented level of student learning assistance. But, it is also necessary to draw the line between what is acceptable and what can disrupt the traditional academic setting.
