POINT- COUNTERPOINT: ChatGPT Ban: Effective or No?

Yes – Maeve Stokes:

As many know, ChatGPT was banned on our school Chromebooks. Additionally, we all also know that there are many benefits of ChatGPT, which include creating study guides, finding information, and providing us with the “easy way out” sometimes. However, the real effects of ChatGPT are not nearly so positive. ChatGPT causes cognitive dependence, reduced academic integrity, and a student body that is less prepared for the real world. Artificial intelligence, or A.I., contributes to cognitive dependence, which weakens critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students who rely on A.I. may become dependent on it instead of learning how to analyze information, form arguments, or think creatively. Without developing these skills, students are under-prepared to enter both college and the workforce.

Over time, this cognitive reliance will reduce independence and make people less capable of functioning without technological assistance. Although the positive effects of A.I. are appealing, it can be greatly misused. Students are using A.I. to write their essays and do homework when they should be utilizing its help for generating ideas or coming up with titles. Ultimately, students should be using A.I. as a supplement rather than a substitute. Therefore, although the A.I. ban is frustrating, it will have an overall positive impact for the students both now and in the future.

No – Evan Courtney:

ChatGPT has stood as an effective tool for both learning and discovering new things. While some argue that it is largely responsible for academic dishonesty and plagiarism, it actually serves as a useful tool for overcoming learning barriers and making note-taking and study sessions much smoother. Ultimately, the school board’s decision to ban ChatGPT from Chromebooks was ineffective, as students have discovered alternative A.I. already. Instead, the school should prioritize teaching students how to ethically use A.I. programs.

Some claim that banning ChatGPT was a valid decision because it will reduce the chance of students from committing academic dishonesty and plagiarizing assignments, but this is a false, ridiculous assumption. First, there are many A.I. tools that are still available on school chromebooks that have the same capabilities as ChatGPT. Additionally, students can simply access the software on a personal device like a phone or computer at home, which makes the ban virtually pointless, as students can transcribe notes onto a document and then access them in school.

It is also worth taking into consideration the numerous benefits it provides for students. ChatGPT serves as a personal tutor that is available 24/7 and is tailored to the unique needs of students. It is especially beneficial to those with learning disabilities, students who missed several days of class, or someone who struggles with comprehending complex tasks or concepts. In addition, ChatGPT can accurately serve the role of a teacher by clarifying topics or concepts when teachers are absent or unavailable during their designated learning hours.

Alternatively, I propose that the high school reinstate the program on school devices but with some small modifications. In addition to lessons on conventional plagiarism, teachers should incorporate ethical A.I. use by giving lessons on academic integrity, proper citations, and distinguishing the difference between using A.I. as a learning tool and completely relying on it to complete assignments. With these lessons, students will not only learn how to avoid AI misuse, but they will also gain valuable skills for responsibly using technology in higher education or in the workplace.