Michael Elsen-Rooney, Reporter, Chalkbeat New York
I asked chatGPT to explain the above article to me as if I were a newbie. Its response:
ChatGPT is a computer program that can have a conversation with you and help you write really good essays. But the schools in New York City have decided to block access to it on their computers and internet. This means that people in those schools can't use ChatGPT anymore. They made this decision because they think that using ChatGPT might not be good for learning, might be unsafe or have wrong information, and might make people cheat or copy other people's work. Other schools around the country might do the same thing.
I asked ChatGPT what it thinks about the move and here is its response:
Is it a good move?
It's difficult to say whether blocking access to ChatGPT is a good move without knowing more about the specific concerns and circumstances surrounding its use in schools. Some people might argue that ChatGPT has the potential to be a useful tool for students and teachers, while others might have concerns about its potential negative impacts on student learning and academic integrity. Ultimately, the decision to allow or block access to ChatGPT in schools will depend on the individual priorities and values of the school or district in question.
But should innovation not be encouraged in schools? Blocking innovative computer program that has many positive use cases, especially in education, should it not be encouraged?
Innovation can often be a positive force in education, as it can lead to the development of new and improved tools and techniques for teaching and learning. However, it's also important to carefully consider the potential consequences and risks of introducing new technologies in the classroom and to ensure that they are being used in a way that is safe, ethical, and beneficial to students.
In the case of ChatGPT, it's possible that the school or district decided to block access to the program because they had concerns about its potential negative impacts on student learning, academic integrity, or the safety and accuracy of its content. While it's important to encourage innovation in education, it's also important to make informed decisions about the technologies that are being used, and to balance the potential benefits with any potential risks or drawbacks.
So who should decide what is right for students? teachers, parents or administration?
There are a variety of factors that can influence decisions about what is right for students, and different stakeholders may have different perspectives and priorities. Ultimately, the decision-making process will depend on the specific context and the specific issues at hand.
In general, teachers, parents, and school administrators are all likely to have a role in making decisions that affect students. Teachers, as the individuals who work most closely with students on a day-to-day basis, are likely to have valuable insights and perspectives on what is most beneficial for student learning. Parents, as the primary caregivers and advocates for their children, are likely to have a strong interest in ensuring that their children have access to the best possible education and opportunities. And school administrators, as the leaders of the school or district, are responsible for setting policies and making decisions that align with the overall mission and goals of the school or district.
Ultimately, the decision-making process may involve input and collaboration from all of these stakeholders, as well as other members of the school community. It's important to consider the perspectives and needs of all stakeholders, and to work together to make informed, evidence-based decisions that are in the best interests of students.
What is the evidence in the case of ChatGPT that it will lead to cheating? and not enhanced productivity?
It's difficult to say whether ChatGPT would lead to cheating without knowing more about how it is being used in schools and the specific concerns that have been raised about its potential impact on academic integrity. Some people might argue that ChatGPT has the potential to encourage cheating because it can generate high-quality writing on a wide range of topics, potentially making it easier for students to copy or plagiarize content. Others might argue that ChatGPT could be used as a tool to help students improve their writing skills and that it would be unlikely to lead to cheating if it was used appropriately.
As for whether ChatGPT would lead to enhanced productivity, that would depend on a number of factors, including how it is being used, the goals of the school or district, and the needs and abilities of individual students. It's possible that ChatGPT could be a useful tool for helping students to complete writing assignments more efficiently, but it's also important to consider whether it is promoting deep learning and critical thinking and whether it is being used in a way that aligns with the overall goals of the school or district.
I leave you to decide how effective chatGPT is
