Should Universities and Colleges Ban ChatGPT, A.I?

07-01-2025

As technology continues to advance, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a prominent subject within the realm of education. In addition to its diverse applications across multiple domains, AI is increasingly being integrated into educational settings via tools such as ChatGPT. The implementation of AI in educational institutions has elicited apprehensions and ignited discussions regarding its permissibility or prohibition. Initially, prohibiting AI in educational institutions may appear to be a rational choice to prevent distractions and misuse; however, one must not disregard the advantages that AI can offer to students' learning experiences. The pandemic's acceleration of online education has demonstrated the efficacy of AI tools in delivering personalized learning experiences and supporting teachers in their daily responsibilities. This article will examine the arguments for and against prohibiting ChatGPT/AI in educational institutions, ultimately advocating for the promotion of responsible and ethical AI usage rather than an outright ban.

What is AI and ChatGPT?

Prior to examining the advantages and disadvantages of prohibiting AI in educational institutions, it is essential to delineate the precise definitions of AI and ChatGPT. Artificial intelligence denotes computer systems capable of executing tasks traditionally necessitating human intelligence, including problem-solving, decision-making, and language processing. ChatGPT, (or Generative Pre-trained Transformer), is an advanced technology created by OpenAI that employs natural language processing (NLP) to produce text responses derived from prior inputs. It is engineered to replicate human-like conversations and has been utilized for diverse applications, including educational objectives.

Arguments For Banning AI in Schools

Proposals to prohibit AI in educational institutions arise from apprehensions regarding academic integrity, student learning, and equitable access. Critics contend that AI tools such as ChatGPT promote academic dishonesty, allowing students to complete assignments devoid of comprehension or analytical thought. This subverts the objective of education, cultivating apathy and dependence on expedients instead of skill acquisition. Educational institutions are concerned about students evading prohibitions by utilizing these tools outside of the classroom, complicating enforcement efforts. Moreover, AI-generated content poses a risk of disseminating misinformation, perpetuating biases, and facilitating plagiarism, thereby undermining trust in academic evaluations. Safety concerns emerge, especially for minors, as generative AI tools may subject students to inappropriate or unreliable content. By banning AI, schools aim to preserve traditional teaching methods and ensure that students develop essential cognitive skills without over-relying on technology that could disrupt the learning process.

Arguments Against Banning AI in Schools

Arguments against banning AI in schools emphasize its potential to enhance education and better prepare students for the future. AI tools like ChatGPT can enrich learning by breaking down complex concepts, assisting with research, and providing tailored feedback. Banning these tools overlooks their ability to foster creativity, streamline lesson planning, and support students with diverse needs, such as those with learning disabilities or non-native English speakers. Furthermore, bans are impractical, as students can access AI outside school networks, making restrictions ineffective. Integrating AI responsibly allows educators to teach ethical use, critical thinking, and fact-checking, essential skills in a digital world. Blanket bans may also deepen the digital divide, denying under-resourced schools access to transformative technology. Rather than banning, schools should focus on guiding principles, teacher training, and equitable access to ensure students benefit from AI responsibly.

Should Schools Ban ChatGPT/ AI?

Now you know about both sides of the argument, it is time to address the question directly - Should schools ban ChatGPT/AI? The answer is not as simple as a yes or no. A complete ban on AI in schools would be counterproductive. Technology and AI are here to stay, and by banning them, we risk depriving students of valuable learning opportunities and preparing them for future careers. However, an unregulated use of AI can also have negative consequences. Therefore, instead of a total prohibition, responsible and ethical use of AI should be promoted in educational settings. Educational institutions must establish explicit guidelines and policies concerning the utilization of AI tools such as ChatGPT. Educators ought to undergo training on the effective integration of these tools into their instruction and the promotion of responsible usage among students. Furthermore, consistent monitoring and evaluation of AI utilization can facilitate the identification and rectification of any misuse or unethical conduct. Furthermore, educational institutions must emphasize equitable access to AI resources, guaranteeing that all students possess equal opportunities to leverage this technology. This will also deter students from pursuing unauthorized and potentially detrimental sources for AI support.

Why College/University Students Agree That Schools Should Not Ban AI

College and university students often agree that schools should not ban AI because it offers valuable tools for learning, research, and skill development. New York Times even wrote a piece on this regarding ChatGPT and encouraging teachers to teach with A.I, instead of banning it. AI platforms like ChatGPT can simplify complex concepts, provide instant feedback, and enhance understanding, especially in subjects where traditional teaching may fall short. Students recognize the real-world applicability of AI, as industries increasingly rely on such technologies, and learning to use AI responsibly prepares them for future careers. They argue that banning AI hinders innovation and access to resources that could make education more engaging and efficient. Instead of restrictions, students favor integrating AI into curriculums to teach ethical use, critical analysis, and fact-checking. By embracing AI, schools can help bridge educational gaps, encourage creativity, and support students in developing the digital literacy necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

How AI Can Lead to Cheating and Shortcuts

AI can facilitate shortcuts for students by enabling them to complete assignments without fully participating in the learning process. For example, tools such as ChatGPT can produce essays, resolve equations, or offer comprehensive analyses with minimal exertion. Advanced functionalities enable students to customize responses to reflect their academic proficiency or incorporate minor inaccuracies, complicating professors' ability to detect misuse. This may result in a reliance on AI, compromising critical thinking, research, and problem-solving abilities vital for higher education. Although utilizing AI for assistance is not intrinsically problematic, excessive dependence may hinder students' intellectual development derived from independently confronting challenging tasks. Colleges ought to emphasize the instruction of responsible AI utilization, guaranteeing that students can leverage its capabilities without undermining their academic integrity or personal growth.

Tips for Colleges and Universities Using AI to Future-Proof Education

Here are recommendations for colleges and universities seeking to adopt AI while minimizing potential adverse consequences:

Integrate Ethical AI Usage: Instruct students on the ethical ramifications of AI, ensuring they comprehend the appropriate contexts and methods for its responsible application, while underscoring the significance of independent reasoning.
Facilitate Faculty Training: Equip educators with methodologies to integrate AI tools into their pedagogy, ensuring students utilize AI as a resource rather than a dependency.
Emphasize Customized Learning: Employ AI to develop adaptive educational experiences that address individual requirements, while promoting critical analysis and engagement with the material among students.
Foster Critical Thinking: Create assignments that necessitate students to incorporate personal insights, distinctive viewpoints, or innovative solutions, ensuring that AI enhances their cognitive process rather than supplanting it.
Foster Collaboration with AI: Designate group projects wherein AI aids in the organization of ideas, while students participate in discussions, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Formulate Explicit Policies: Create regulations mandating that students exhibit comprehension and critical analysis in conjunction with any AI-assisted tasks.
Integrate Practical Applications: Employ project-based learning assignments that merge AI tools with student-led research, analysis, and innovative thinking to address real-world problems.

Final Thoughts

The integration of AI in education presents a multifaceted dilemma with compelling arguments on either side. Although some advocate for an outright prohibition, it is evident that the responsible and ethical application of AI can yield significant advantages for students' education and growth. Through appropriate guidance, training, and equitable access, higher education institutions can ensure the longevity of education by incorporating AI into their curricula while preserving academic integrity and critical thinking abilities. Provided that schools emphasize these elements, a complete prohibition of AI is unnecessary; instead, they should responsibly harness its potential. Rather than prohibiting ChatGPT or other AI tools, educational institutions should emphasize the promotion of responsible usage among students to ensure they derive benefits from this technology without undermining their academic development. This will not only equip them for the future but also foster a more inclusive and equitable educational system. (Image source: Sam Balye)