After banning ChatGPT, NYC Schools consider how to use it

The New York City Department of Education hasn’t closed the door on ChatGPT. 

After initially banning use of the artificial intelligence-powered chatbot on school devices and Wi-Fi last month, education officials are reconsidering how to incorporate the technology in a way that enhances student learning while preventing cheating and plagiarism.

New York City schools Chancellor David Banks first indicated about a week ago that the education department may soon issue new guidance on ChatGPT. He again underscored this point Tuesday morning during an interview with NY1. 

“We are trying to figure it out, but as most emerging technologies we can sometimes get a little concerned,” Banks said. “We’ve just got to figure out how to put the proper guardrails around that will allow for kids to get the most out of it without cheating.”

ChatGPT has ignited fierce debate across the country over its use in schools since its November release. The chatbot program is capable of creating remarkably detailed and realistic writing, fueling educators’ concerns about its capacity to be a tool for cheating and how it could render writing assignments obsolete. The New York City Education Department was among the first school districts to block access to the program.