Chat GPT app/webpage utilizing AI creating challenges for Utah teachers

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SALT LAKE CITY — Visit the Weber School District and one of the first things you’ll see is a message from developers about all the traffic on their site. And they explain that Chat GPT is a program utilizing artificial intelligence that’s been trained to respond to questions and “challenge incorrect premises.”

For some students in Utah, the program is being used to do their homework.

“It’s a constant challenge,” said Lane Findlay, community relations and safety specialist for Weber School District. 

Because technology changes so rapidly, that district has a committee that meets weekly to address the relationship between technology and students. For now, they’ve banned the Chat GTP app on district devices. 

But as for what kids do in their off time?

“We don’t really have any control over what students or people do on their own personal devices,” Findlay said. To combat the app, at least in some instances teachers are being more creative with their assignments.

One thing that’s come out of the new technology meetings at the district is the idea that technology ethics needs to be taught in the classroom, and, at home.

The ethical issue presented an AI app that does a kid’s homework isn’t a new concern for teachers, or district, or parents. Even in the old school days, people found ways to make someone else’s work their own.

“Probably had arguments when encyclopedias came out, and when the internet came out, and when search engines came out,” Findlay said. In each instance, educators and parents have had to adapt. And they’ll have to keep adapting, as Findlay said educators expect to see more and more programs like Chat GPT.

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