Study Abroad: US Schools Advocating Use of ChatGPT in Academic Work

A recent transformation has seen educators move from banning such tools to embracing and teaching their effective use.  Lance Eaton, an administrator at Rhode Island-based College Unbound, highlighted this change. He stated, “Earlier on, we saw a knee-jerk reaction to AI by banning it going into the spring semester, but now the talk is about why it makes sense for students to use it.” 

To facilitate this change, AI-focused Facebook groups have been established to provide platforms for educators to share insights. Other groups are Google groups, such as “Higher Ed Discussions of Writing and AI” and “AI in Education.

This shift in perspective is driven by the realization that AI tools can offer significant benefits to students. A study by Intelligent.com found that approximately 30% of college students used ChatGPT for their schoolwork in the past academic year. They used it for English classes mostly.

Positive Impact of ChatGPT

Remarkably, 1 in 8 students reported an increase in their GPA, attributing it to their use of ChatGPT. The positive impact of AI tools is evident. This is because over 75% of college ChatGPT users expressing their likelihood to recommend the technology to other students.

Jules White, an associate professor of computer science at Vanderbilt University, also emphasized the importance of AI expertise. White said, “I think it’s incredibly important for students, faculty, and alumni to become experts in AI. It is because it will be so transformative across every industry in demand so we provide the right training.” 

To address this, some institutions are even enlisting external experts to educate both faculty and students about effectively utilizing AI tools.

The change in attitude reflects a broader recognition that AI will play a pivotal role in various industries and domains. Rather than shying away from these technologies, educators believe that teaching students how to leverage them effectively will be more beneficial. This evolution in approach represents a fundamental shift in pedagogical strategies, with educators actively encouraging students to embrace AI tools to enhance their learning experiences and prepare them for the AI-driven future.

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