ChatGPT in education

ChatGPT is a virtual assistant developed by OpenAI and launched in November 2022. It uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models called generative pre-trained transformers (GPT), such as GPT-4o, to generate text. GPT models are large language models that are pre-trained to predict the next token in large amounts of text (a token usually corresponds to a word, subword or punctuation). This pre-training enables them to generate human-like text, by repeatedly predicting the next likely token. After pre-training, these GPT models were fine-tuned to adopt an assistant role, improve response accuracy and reduce harmful content; using supervised learning and reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF).{{cite journal |last1=Gerjets |first1=Peter |last2=Warschauer |first2=Mark |last3=Tate |first3=Tamara |last4=Chen |first4=Xiaobin |last5=Alekseeva |first5=Anastasiia |last6=Fischer |first6=Christian |last7=Fütterer |first7=Tim |title=ChatGPT in education: global reactions to AI innovations |journal=Scientific Reports |date=2023 |volume=13 |issue=1 |page=15310 |doi=10.1038/s41598-023-42227-6 |pmid=37714915 |pmc=10504368 |bibcode=2023NatSR..1315310F }}

ChatGPT gained over 100 million users in only two months following its release, becoming the fastest-growing consumer software application in history.{{Cite news |title=ChatGPT sets record for fastest-growing user base - analyst note |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-sets-record-fastest-growing-user-base-analyst-note-2023-02-01/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250106192237/https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-sets-record-fastest-growing-user-base-analyst-note-2023-02-01/ |archive-date=2025-01-06 |access-date=2025-01-19 |work=Reuters |language=en-US}} Similar chatbots include Gemini and Claude.

In a January 2023 assessment, ChatGPT demonstrated performance comparable to graduate-level standards at institutions such as the University of Minnesota and Wharton School.{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Samantha Murphy |date=January 26, 2023 |title=ChatGPT passes exams from law and business schools |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/26/tech/chatgpt-passes-exams/index.html |access-date=February 3, 2023 |website=CNN}} A blind study conducted at the University of Wollongong Law School compared GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 with 225 students in an end-of-semester criminal law exam. The findings revealed that the average score of the students was considerably higher than the GenAI models.{{Cite journal |last=Alimardani |first=Armin |date=2024-09-23 |title=Generative artificial intelligence vs. law students: an empirical study on criminal law exam performance |journal=Law, Innovation and Technology |volume=16 |issue=2 |language=en |pages=777–819 |doi=10.1080/17579961.2024.2392932 |issn=1757-9961|doi-access=free }}

Its application in fields like computer programming and numerical methods has been explored and validated.{{cite arXiv |eprint=2303.12093 |class=cs.LG |first1=Ali |last1=Kashefi |first2=Tapan |last2=Mukerji |title=ChatGPT for Programming Numerical Methods |date=2023}} Assessment psychologist Eka Roivainen's study suggested ChatGPT's verbal IQ approximates the top 0.1% of test-takers.{{cite news |last=Roivainen |first=Eka |date=March 28, 2023 |title=I Gave ChatGPT an IQ Test. Here's What I Discovered |work=Scientific American |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/i-gave-chatgpt-an-iq-test-heres-what-i-discovered/ |access-date=April 3, 2023}} One notable drawback of ChatGPT is occasional inaccuracies detected in academic assignments, particularly in technical subjects such as mathematics, as noted by educators like Ethan Mollick from the Wharton School.{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Mary Louise |date=January 26, 2023 |title='Everybody is cheating': Why this teacher has adopted an open ChatGPT policy |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/01/26/1151499213/chatgpt-ai-education-cheating-classroom-wharton-school |access-date=October 10, 2023 |work=NPR}}

A survey conducted between March and April 2023 revealed 58% of American students acknowledged using ChatGPT, with 38% admitting use without teacher consent, highlighting challenges in enforcing bans.{{cite news |last1=Klar |first1=Rebecca |date=May 10, 2023 |title=Teens use, hear of ChatGPT more than parents: poll |work=The Hill |url=https://thehill.com/policy/technology/3998124-teens-use-hear-of-chatgpt-more-than-parents-poll/ |access-date=June 15, 2023}}{{cite web |author1=Impact Research |title=Parents and students are optimistic about AI, but parents have a lot to learn to catch up to their kids – and want rules and ratings to help them. |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/featured-content/files/common-sense-ai-polling-memo-may-10-2023-final.pdf |access-date=June 15, 2023 |publisher=Common Sense Media}}

In response to educational demand, OpenAI launched "ChatGPT Edu" in May 2024, aiming to offer universities affordable access to this technology.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-31 |title=OpenAI unveils ChatGPT Edu to bring AI responsibly to university campuses |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/artificial-intelligence/openai-unveils-chatgpt-edu-ai-for-universities-9363238/ |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

AI tools like ChatGPT have shown promise in enhancing literacy skills among adolescents and adults. They provide instant feedback on writing, aid in idea generation, and help improve grammar and vocabulary.{{Cite journal |last=Mahapatra |first=Santosh |date=2024-02-13 |title=Impact of ChatGPT on ESL students' academic writing skills: a mixed methods intervention study |journal=Smart Learning Environments |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=9 |doi=10.1186/s40561-024-00295-9 |doi-access=free |issn=2196-7091}} These tools can also support students with disabilities, such as dyslexia, by assisting with spelling and grammar. Additionally, AI can facilitate higher-order thinking by automating lower-order tasks, allowing students to focus on complex conceptual work.{{cite journal |last1=Bronstein |first1=Briana |last2=Wolfe |first2=Zora M. |last3=Ciampa |first3=Katia |title=Transforming digital literacy practices |journal=ChatGPT in Education |date=September 26, 2023 |volume=67 |issue=3 |pages=186–195 |doi=10.1002/jaal.1310 |url=https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jaal.1310}} AI tools like GitHub Copilot, similar to ChatGPT, have significantly impacted programming by enhancing productivity and influencing developers' perceptions of AI in technical fields.{{Cite journal |last1=Eshraghian |first1=Farjam |last2=Hafezieh |first2=Najmeh |last3=Farivar |first3=Farveh |last4=de Cesare |first4=Sergio |date=2024-04-02 |title=AI in software programming: understanding emotional responses to GitHub Copilot |url=https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ITP-01-2023-0084/full/html |journal=Information Technology & People |volume=ahead-of-print |issue=ahead-of-print |language=en |doi=10.1108/ITP-01-2023-0084 |issn=0959-3845}}

The education technology company Chegg, which was a website dedicated to helping students with assignments using a database of collected worksheets and assignments, became one of the most prominent business victims to ChatGPT, with its stock price nearly being cut in half after a quarterly earnings call in May 2023.{{Cite magazine |last=Dave |first=Paresh |date=June 5, 2023 |title=Chegg Embraced AI. ChatGPT Ate Its Lunch Anyway |url=https://www.wired.com/story/chegg-embraced-ai-chatgpt-ate-its-lunch-anyway/ |access-date=October 18, 2023 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}{{Cite web |last=Shin |first=Rachel |date=July 12, 2023 |title=A.I. can kill your business in an instant. Just ask the CEO of Chegg |url=https://fortune.com/2023/07/12/chatgpt-ai-chegg-ass-kicked-public-markets-dan-rosensweig-edtech/ |access-date=October 18, 2023 |website=Fortune |language=en}}

In 2023, a study critically examined the role of ChatGPT in education. The authors had ChatGPT generate a SWOT analysis of itself in an educational setting, identifying several key issues and potential uses. They highlighted that while ChatGPT can generate human-like responses and assist with personalized learning, it also has limitations. For instance, the AI may produce inaccurate information, known as "hallucinations", which can be difficult for students to distinguish from accurate responses. This underscores the importance of teaching digital literacy and critical thinking skills.

The study also noted that ChatGPT's responses often lacked depth in understanding broader educational goals and processes, focusing primarily on providing immediate answers to queries. The potential biases in ChatGPT's training data and the ethical implications of its use were also discussed, particularly concerning the control exerted by its developers over the content it generates.{{cite journal |last1=Loos |first1=Eugène |last2=Gröpler |first2=Johanna |last3=Goudeau |first3=Marie-Louise Sophie |date=August 21, 2023 |title=Using ChatGPT in Education: Human Reflection on ChatGPT's Self-Reflection |journal=Societies |volume=13 |issue=8 |page=196 |doi=10.3390/soc13080196 |doi-access=free}}

A global study by Ravšelj et al. (2025) provides a comprehensive global analysis of higher education students’ perceptions of ChatGPT’s effectiveness and applications in early 2024.{{cite journal |last1=Ravšelj |first1=Dejan |last2=Keržič |first2=Damijana |last3=Tomaževič |first3=Nina |last4=Umek |first4=Lan |last5=Brezovar |first5=Nejc |last6=Aristovnik |first6=Aleksander. |title=Higher education students' perceptions of ChatGPT: A global study of early reactions |journal=PLOS ONE |date=2025 |volume=20 |issue=2 |page=e0315011 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0315011 |doi-access=free |pmid=39908277 |pmc=11798494 |bibcode=2025PLoSO..2015011R }} It reveals that students primarily use ChatGPT for brainstorming, summarization, and research assistance, finding it effective for simplifying complex information but less reliable for factual accuracy and classroom learning. While students recognized its potential to enhance AI literacy, digital communication, and study efficiency, Ravšelj et al. highlight its limitations in critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and decision-making skills, reinforcing the need for ethical AI regulations in academic settings.

ChatGPT's capability to generate assignments has prompted concerns about academic integrity, particularly in essay writing, with critics foreseeing potential misuse and devaluation of traditional writing skills.{{Cite web |last=Marche |first=Stephen |date=December 6, 2022 |title=The College Essay Is Dead |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/12/chatgpt-ai-writing-college-student-essays/672371/ |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=The Atlantic}}{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Kevin |date=December 23, 2022 |title=Why Educators Shouldn't Be Worried About AI |url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/december-web-only/ai-chatgpt-artificial-intelligence-education-university.html |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=ChristianityToday.com}}{{Cite web |last=Bowman |first=Emma |date=December 19, 2022 |title=A new AI chatbot might do your homework for you. But it's still not an A+ student |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/12/19/1143912956/chatgpt-ai-chatbot-homework-academia |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=NPR}}

One instance, as reported by Rolling Stone, resulted in a professor at Texas A&M University misusing ChatGPT to check student assignments for verifying whether an assignment utilized the large language model. ChatGPT returned a result of all students using it, and so the professor promptly returned a failing grade to all of his students. Rolling Stone noted however that ChatGPT is unable to reliably verify whether it was used to write student assignments, and a post to a Reddit community dedicated to ChatGPT received widespread attention with many attacking the professor for a lack of familiarity towards the chatbot.{{Cite magazine |last=Klee |first=Miles |date=May 17, 2023 |title=Professor Flunks All His Students After ChatGPT Falsely Claims It Wrote Their Papers |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/texas-am-chatgpt-ai-professor-flunks-students-false-claims-1234736601/ |access-date=October 10, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=May 18, 2023 |title=College instructor put on blast for accusing students of using ChatGPT |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/chatgpt-texas-college-instructor-backlash-rcna84888 |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=NBC News |language=en}}

Although there is growing concern over the rise of AI and its potential use of plagiarism and production of biased content, some have argued ChatGPT itself is an effective tool to enhance students' critical thinking and reasoning. An example of this in practice involves a student who was assigned to analyze the work of a singer and songwriter Burna Boy. ChatGPT failed to offer an in-depth analysis of a political song by Burna Boy, only being able to assist with translating Nigerian Pidgin and slang, and listing discussion forums where Nigerian fans interpreted the meanings of the song. However, this limitation offered an opportunity for the student to engage with others and allowed them to think more critically and deeply about the content.{{Cite journal |last1=Girdharry |first1=Kristi |last2=Khachatryan |first2=Davit |date=2023 |title=Meaningful Writing in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence |journal=Double Helix: A Journal of Critical Thinking and Writing |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=1–10 |doi=10.37514/dbh-j.2023.11.1.04 |issn=2372-7497 |doi-access=free}} Jarrel De Matas from University of Massachusetts Amherst proposes an "inquiry-based model" where the writer problem solves and improves their critical thinking and writing skills when engaging with ChatGPT. De Matas also suggests a "user-centered design of the writing process" which prioritizes users over the technology. This "user-centered design" involves two core components. The first is an emphasis on reflective writing which would encourage students to view writing as a process rather than product-based like how ChatGPT can be. The second is to have students evaluate chatbot responses on their ability to provide information on a particular subject and the limitations of where it draws its information from.{{Cite journal |last=De Matas |first=Jarrel |date=2023 |title=ChatGPT and the Future of Writing about Writing |journal=Double Helix: A Journal of Critical Thinking and Writing |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=1–7 |doi=10.37514/dbh-j.2023.11.1.09 |issn=2372-7497 |doi-access=free}}

AI usage is a complex issue with various viewpoints and implications for how education may evolve in the future. The theory that ChatGPT will destroy education is disputed almost as widely as it is believed. Kevin Brown of Christianity Today wrote that the human brain remains consistently better able to create material than ChatGPT. Brown further argued that education in its spirit will continue to live on and that ChatGPT could only revolutionize teaching methods.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Kevin |date=December 23, 2022 |title=Why Educators Shouldn't Be Worried About AI |url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/december-web-only/ai-chatgpt-artificial-intelligence-education-university.html |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=ChristianityToday.com}} The New York Times' Kevin Roose also reported that ChatGPT's prohibition would never be able to be practiced effectively, noting it would be impossible to police. Roose noted that students can access the internet outside of schools, effectively rendering a ban obsolete; Roose suggested instead that teachers allow it openly for some assignments similar to calculators, and that teaching with the AI is the best approach.{{Cite news |last=Roose |first=Kevin |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Don't Ban ChatGPT in Schools. Teach With It. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/technology/chatgpt-schools-teachers.html |access-date=October 10, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The oral exam has also been used as an example of an instruction method which could circumvent the assignment and test students' knowledge more effectively on a 1:1 basis.{{Cite news |last=Belkin |first=Douglas |date=June 1, 2023 |title=As AI-Enabled Cheating Roils Colleges, Professors Turn to an Ancient Testing Method |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ai-colleges-cheating-oral-exams-286e0091 |access-date=October 10, 2023 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}

Some have emphasized a change in pedagogy focused on quality of writing and reading as opposed to quantity. If educators slow down by assigning one paper or one book per semester, it could allow students to put more "thought, research, and critical thinking into through multiple drafts and revisions".{{Cite journal |last1=Major |first1=Katy |last2=Chiarelott |first2=Clay |date=2023 |title=Slow Down: Generative AI, Faculty Reactions, and the Role of Critical Thinking in Writing Instruction |journal=Double Helix: A Journal of Critical Thinking and Writing |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=1–12 |doi=10.37514/dbh-j.2023.11.1.03 |issn=2372-7497 |doi-access=free}} This technological evolution prompts educators to rethink pedagogical approaches, emphasizing critical thinking and ethical AI usage. Proponents argue for integrating ChatGPT into educational frameworks responsibly, leveraging its potential to enhance learning outcomes through personalized approaches.{{Cite news |last=Roose |first=Kevin |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Don't Ban ChatGPT in Schools. Teach With It. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/technology/chatgpt-schools-teachers.html |access-date=October 10, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Belkin |first=Douglas |date=June 1, 2023 |title=As AI-Enabled Cheating Roils Colleges, Professors Turn to an Ancient Testing Method |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ai-colleges-cheating-oral-exams-286e0091 |access-date=October 10, 2023 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}

Student perceptions of ChatGPT are generally positive, with many finding it to be an effective tool for learning, productivity, and problem-solving.{{Cite web |title=What Students Are Saying About ChatGPT| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/02/learning/students-chatgpt.html1 |date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2025 |language=en-US |website=The New York Times}} A global study conducted by Ravšelj et al. (2025) found that approximately 58% of students reported finding the AI tool useful in their daily lives. When asked to describe their views on ChatGPT in writing, the most common terms used were "good", "helpful", and "tool", reflecting an overall favorable perception of the platform. The study also highlighted that ChatGPT was particularly beneficial in blended learning environments, where a significant portion of learning is conducted online. Though the majority of students still expressed a preference for in-person assistance over AI, they acknowledged the value of ChatGPT as a helpful resource, especially when in-person support was unavailable.

The use of AI in education has vast potential, as it can provide personalized learning experiences and adaptive teaching methods.{{Cite journal |last=Popescu |first=Anca |date=2024-01-09 |title=AI's Secret Weapon in Education. ChatGPT – The Future of Personalized Learning |url=https://webbut.unitbv.ro/index.php/Series_V/article/view/6816 |journal=Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Brasov. Series V: Economic Sciences |pages=45–52 |doi=10.31926/but.es.2023.16.65.2.5 |issn=2065-2208|doi-access=free }} Some professors have created separate college courses designed specifically to train generative AI. For example, Arizona State University professor Andrew Maynard and Vanderbilt professor Jules White both developed a new course specifically for prompt engineering generative AI chatbots.{{Cite web |last=Coffey |first=Lauren |title=Professors Craft Courses on ChatGPT With ChatGPT |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/artificial-intelligence/2023/07/31/professors-craft-courses-chatgpt-chatgpt |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=Inside Higher Ed |language=en}} Other instructors, such as Ethan Mollick at Wharton, have, in the face of inevitable use by students regardless of prohibition, not only accepted usage of generative AI but required all students to use ChatGPT in their assignments. Mollick reported to NPR that the usage of ChatGPT generally improved his students' work, using AI to further assist in the generation of ideas. Some professors have focused on creating learning material and have highlighted the opportunities of using ChatGPT to personalize assignments to a student's background.{{cite journal |last1=Einarsson |first1=Hafsteinn |title=Application of ChatGPT for automated problem reframing across academic domains |journal=Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence |date=December 13, 2023 |volume=6 |doi=10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100194 |doi-access=free |hdl=20.500.11815/4807 |hdl-access=free }} In 2024, the Los Angeles Unified School District introduced Ed, a chatbot developed in response to ChatGPT's use in classrooms.{{cite news|url=https://www.edweek.org/technology/los-angeles-unified-bets-big-on-ed-an-ai-tool-for-students/2024/03|title=Los Angeles Unified Bets Big on 'Ed,' an AI Tool for Students|website=Education Week|date=March 21, 2024|author=Langreo, Lauraine}}{{cite web|url=https://districtadministration.com/meet-ed-l-a-unifieds-new-artificially-intelligent-student-advisor/|title=Meet 'Ed,' L.A. Unified's new artificially intelligent student advisor|date=August 8, 2023|author=Ward, Micah|website=District Administration}}

The impact of ChatGPT on education is a topic of significant discussion. Daniel Herman's perspective reflects concerns about the potential devaluation of writing skills if AI can generate text as easily as humans.{{Cite web |last=Herman |first=Daniel |date=2022-12-09 |title=The End of High-School English |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/12/openai-chatgpt-writing-high-school-english-essay/672412/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}} Similarly, Naomi S. Baron wrote that "If AI text generation does our writing for us, we diminish opportunities to think out problems for ourselves". She also mentioned the risk of a slippery slope, where students start letting generative AI control the content and style of their writing, leading to a diminished sense of ownership.{{Cite web |last=Baron |first=Naomi S. |date=2023-01-19 |title=How ChatGPT robs students of motivation to write and think for themselves |url=https://theconversation.com/how-chatgpt-robs-students-of-motivation-to-write-and-think-for-themselves-197875 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=The Conversation |language=en-US}} Educators might have to rethink the practicality and value of writing in higher education. For example, business schools could reframe writing from a career prep approach to a liberal-arts approach, where writing is "the foundation of a rich and meaningful life".{{Cite journal |last=Werse |first=Nicholas R. |date=2023 |title=What Will Be Lost? Critical Reflections on ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, and the Value of Writing Instruction |journal=Double Helix: A Journal of Critical Thinking and Writing |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=1–4 |doi=10.37514/dbh-j.2023.11.1.07 |issn=2372-7497 |doi-access=free}} According to Katy Major, faculty reactions towards AI at Ashland University varied depending on their field. Fields which viewed written words as carrying "significant view and value" were more likely to be concerned with AI in education as opposed to fields where writing is "treated pragmatically, as a means to some other end".{{Cite journal |last1=Major |first1=Katy |last2=Chiarelott |first2=Clay |date=2023 |title=Slow Down: Generative AI, Faculty Reactions, and the Role of Critical Thinking in Writing Instruction |journal=Double Helix: A Journal of Critical Thinking and Writing |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=1–12 |doi=10.37514/dbh-j.2023.11.1.03 |issn=2372-7497 |doi-access=free}} Others highlight the need for educators to adapt their methods to focus more on critical thinking and reasoning,{{Cite journal |last1=Girdharry |first1=Kristi |last2=Khachatryan |first2=Davit |date=2023 |title=Meaningful Writing in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence |journal=Double Helix: A Journal of Critical Thinking and Writing |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=1–10 |doi=10.37514/dbh-j.2023.11.1.04 |issn=2372-7497 |doi-access=free}} as AI tools like ChatGPT could potentially be used for plagiarism or produce biased content.

Not only is there growing concern around ChatGPT's impact on students, but also on the educators themselves. Writing centers may be particularly impacted by the growing use of ChatGPT in education. Although there are local policies on AI usage, university-wide policies are currently not well established and with this comes a burden that is placed on writing center tutors, who may have to act as "police clients for unethical AI-generated writing". According to a 2024 survey done on writing centers, participants stated that they believed they would need to be able to advise clients on the "ethical issues of using AI tools" and "recognize AI-generated text and discuss academic integrity".{{Cite web |last1=Lindberg |first1=Nathan |last2=Domingues |first2=Amanda |date=August 2024 |title=2024 Report on AI Writing Tools' Impacts on Writing Centers |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383365521}} Some have proposed ways to remediate this including placing digital watermarks on AI-generated works to distinguish it from original student work.

Another frequent concern of using ChatGPT in education is because of the gaps in the tool's capability to produce verifiable information. ChatGPT's tendency to generating hallucination and misinformation, especially fabricated citations, makes it unreliable for academic credibility. Some inaccurate information, including when the tool refers to people or works that do not exist, could be detected easily.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-15 |title=GUEST POST: The Benefits and Risks of ChatGPT for Education |url=https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2024/2/15-1 |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=The Learning Scientists |language=en-US}} However, ChatGPT might also offers fake results that are convincing. Jordan MacDonald from the University of New Brunswick–Saint John pointed out the downside is that students using ChatGPT to provide information on a topic may lack the knowledge require to identify false or misleading information.{{Cite web |last=Dolan |first=Eric W. |date=2024-04-14 |title=ChatGPT hallucinates fake but plausible scientific citations at a staggering rate, study finds |url=https://www.psypost.org/chatgpt-hallucinates-fake-but-plausible-scientific-citations-at-a-staggering-rate-study-finds/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=PsyPost - Psychology News |language=en-US}} Furthermore, students' over-reliance in using ChatGPT would impact their cognitive offloading which decline memory retention.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-04-02 |title=ChatGPT May Lead To The Downfall Of Education And Critical Thinking |url=https://www.techbusinessnews.com.au/blog/chatgpt-may-lead-to-the-downfall-of-eduction-and-critical-thinking/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=Tech Business News |language=en-US}} According to Michael Gerlich, younger generations who have grown up with AI technologies tend to be more dependent on them, which corresponds with lower critical thinking scores compared to older generations.{{Cite journal |last=Gerlich |first=Michael |date=2025-01-03 |title=AI Tools in Society: Impacts on Cognitive Offloading and the Future of Critical Thinking |journal=Societies |language=en |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=6 |doi=10.3390/soc15010006 |doi-access=free |issn=2075-4698}}{{Cite web |last=Dolan |first=Eric W. |date=2025-03-21 |title=AI tools may weaken critical thinking skills by encouraging cognitive offloading, study suggests |url=https://www.psypost.org/ai-tools-may-weaken-critical-thinking-skills-by-encouraging-cognitive-offloading-study-suggests/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=PsyPost - Psychology News |language=en-US}}

Some educational institutions have chosen to ban access to ChatGPT. The reasons behind these decisions likely vary, but concerns about potential misuse, such as plagiarism or reliance on AI for writing tasks, could be driving factors. ChatGPT has been met with various bans from certain educational institutions. One of the earliest districts to ban the tool was the Los Angeles Unified School District, which blocked access to the tool less than a month after its official release.{{Cite news |last=Singer |first=Natasha |date=August 24, 2023 |title=Despite Cheating Fears, Schools Repeal ChatGPT Bans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/24/business/schools-chatgpt-chatbot-bans.html |access-date=October 10, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The New York City Department of Education reportedly blocked access to ChatGPT in December 2022{{cite news |date=January 10, 2023 |title=New York City Department of Education Bans ChatGPT |url=https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/new-york-city-department-of-education-bans-chatgpt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216061833/https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/new-york-city-department-of-education-bans-chatgpt |archive-date=February 16, 2023 |access-date=February 16, 2023 |work=GovTech |language=en}} and officially announced a ban around January 4, 2023.{{cite news |last=Cole |first=Samantha |date=January 4, 2023 |title=NYC Bans Students and Teachers from Using ChatGPT |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3p9jx/nyc-bans-students-and-teachers-from-using-chatgpt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105025338/https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3p9jx/nyc-bans-students-and-teachers-from-using-chatgpt |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |access-date=January 5, 2023 |work=www.vice.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ropek |first=Lucas |date=January 4, 2023 |title=New York City Schools Ban ChatGPT to Head Off a Cheating Epidemic |url=https://gizmodo.com/new-york-city-schools-chatgpt-ban-cheating-essay-openai-1849949384 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106162900/https://gizmodo.com/new-york-city-schools-chatgpt-ban-cheating-essay-openai-1849949384 |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=Gizmodo |language=en}}

In February 2023, the University of Hong Kong sent a campus-wide email to instructors and students stating that the use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is prohibited in all classes, assignments and assessments at the university. Any violations would be treated as plagiarism by the university unless the student obtains the prior written consent from the course instructor.{{Cite news |date=February 18, 2023 |title=港大禁用ChatGPT等AI工具，为全港大学首例 |url=https://m.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_21956092 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306134559/https://m.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_21956092 |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=The Paper |publisher=China News Service}}{{Cite web |last1=Yau |first1=Cannix |last2=Chan |first2=Kahon |date=February 17, 2023 |title=University of Hong Kong temporarily bans students from using ChatGPT |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3210650/university-hong-kong-temporarily-bans-students-using-chatgpt-other-ai-based-tools-coursework |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219011809/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3210650/university-hong-kong-temporarily-bans-students-using-chatgpt-other-ai-based-tools-coursework |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

Some schools in the United States for the 2023–24 school year announced a repeal of their bans for ChatGPT. In May 2023, New York City repealed its ban on ChatGPT, a restriction that had been in place since January of the same year.{{cite web |last1=Faguy |first1=Ana |title=New York City Public Schools Reverses ChatGPT Ban |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/05/18/new-york-city-public-schools-reverses-chatgpt-ban/?sh=1e02b46b71da |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521150308/https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/05/18/new-york-city-public-schools-reverses-chatgpt-ban/?sh=1e02b46b71da |archive-date=May 21, 2023 |access-date=May 21, 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en}} Davis Banks, the head of New York City’s public schools at the time, explained that the initial decision to ban the tool was driven by a "knee-jerk fear [that] overlooked the potential of generative AI to support students and teachers".{{cite web |last=Serrano |first=Jody |date=May 19, 2023 |title=New York City Schools Lift Ban on ChatGPT, Say Initial Fear 'Overlooked the Potential' of AI |url=https://gizmodo.com/new-york-city-public-schools-lift-ban-chatgpt-ai-1850453424 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521150307/https://gizmodo.com/new-york-city-public-schools-lift-ban-chatgpt-ai-1850453424 |archive-date=May 21, 2023 |access-date=May 21, 2023 |website=Gizmodo |language=en}} He also recognized that AI would inevitably be a part of students' future workplaces and argued that teaching them to use it ethically would be more beneficial than imposing a blanket ban. With the ban lifted, educators in New York City now have the opportunity to use ChatGPT for various educational purposes, including teaching about AI prejudice and creating lessons. To assist in this transition, the city's Department of Education committed to providing educators with “resources, real-life examples of successful AI implementation in schools, and an AI toolkit”.

Another district, Walla Walla Public Schools, located in rural Washington, also lifted its ban on ChatGPT starting in the 2023-24 school year. To support this transition, the district hosted a daylong workshop that focused on the positive learning benefits of AI in the classroom. The event was attended by around 100 local educators. Following the workshop, many of these participants expressed a newfound confidence in integrating ChatGPT into their educational plans.

A professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, has permitted the incorporation of ChatGPT into his students' writing process instead of banning the use of this new technology.{{Cite web |last=Villasenor |first=John |date=February 10, 2023 |title=How ChatGPT Can Improve Education, Not Threaten It |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-chatgpt-can-improve-education-not-threaten-it/ |access-date=December 7, 2023 |website=Scientific American |language=en}} He argued that educators should teach students to use ChatGPT ethically and productively, and that it is not feasible or practical to ban students from using it. He also discussed the benefits of learning to write well with AI assistance, and stressed on the importance of being responsible users of AI.

{{Main|Artificial intelligence content detection}}

Some companies have responded to the influx of ChatGPT and generative AI usage among students by developing detection software which flags down essays likely written by AI. This is done by using algorithms to analyze word choice and sentence structure which when written by AI, tends to be more predictable and uniform.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-14 |title=How Do AI Detectors Work? {{!}} GPTZero |url=https://gptzero.me/news/how-ai-detectors-work/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=AI Detection Resources {{!}} GPTZero |language=en}} Among the first companies to develop solutions like this was Turnitin. A corporate blog post from the company stated that the company's database of numerous student essays was used to train its own detection system. When tested by The Washington Post, it was noted that Turnitin's detector flagged an innocent student for using ChatGPT to generate the conclusion of her essay.{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Geoffrey A. |date=April 14, 2023 |title=Analysis {{!}} We tested a new ChatGPT-detector for teachers. It flagged an innocent student. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/04/01/chatgpt-cheating-detection-turnitin/ |access-date=October 10, 2023 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} The company itself reported that its detector was not always accurate as well with an accuracy rate of 98%.{{Cite web |last=Delouya |first=Samantha |title=Turnitin is the go-to software to catch students cheating. Now it's focused on a potential cat-and-mouse game with OpenAI's new ChatGPT chatbot. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/turnitin-will-detect-chatgpt-answers-openai-product-teachers-ai-speech-2023-1 |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2023 |title=Sneak preview of Turnitin's AI writing and ChatGPT detection capability |url=https://www.turnitin.com/blog/sneak-preview-of-turnitins-ai-writing-and-chatgpt-detection-capability |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=www.turnitin.com |language=en-us}} This means that there is a 2% false positive rate which may lead to drastic impacts on a student's future.{{Cite web |last=Hirsch |first=Amanda |date=2024-12-12 |title=AI detectors: An ethical minefield - Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning |url=https://citl.news.niu.edu/2024/12/12/ai-detectors-an-ethical-minefield/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |language=en-US}} There have been numerous other cases similar to this in which a student is falsely accused of using AI and report not knowing how to prove their innocence.{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=Rachel |title=She lost her scholarship over an AI allegation — and it impacted her mental health |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/01/22/college-students-ai-allegations-mental-health/77723194007/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} This is especially prevalent among already marginalized groups such as non-native English speakers, black students, and neurodiverse students due to AI detection tools being more likely to flag writing by these groups as a result of linguistic differences.

Other similar detection tools include GPTZero and ones by numerous other startups, including OpenAI itself. However, research reports have stated that detection software often fails to detect content generated by AI, and that these tools are easy to fool.{{Cite web |title=ChatGPT Detectors Are Biased and Easy to Fool, Research Shows |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/chatgpt-detectors-are-biased-and-easy-to-fool-research-shows/ |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=CNET |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Barshay |first=Jill |date=September 4, 2023 |title=PROOF POINTS: It's easy to fool ChatGPT detectors |url=https://hechingerreport.org/proof-points-its-easy-to-fool-chatgpt-detectors/ |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=The Hechinger Report |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Alimardani |first1=Armin |last2=Jane |first2=Emma A. |date=2023-02-19 |title=We pitted ChatGPT against tools for detecting AI-written text, and the results are troubling |url=https://theconversation.com/we-pitted-chatgpt-against-tools-for-detecting-ai-written-text-and-the-results-are-troubling-199774 |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=The Conversation |language=en-US}} Tools such as AI humanizers, which aim to make AI-generated text appear more human-like, help to trick AI detectors.{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Emma |date=2025-01-19 |title=Do AI Humanizers Actually Work? We Tested Them And This Is What We Found |url=https://www.slashgear.com/1759840/ai-humanizers-do-they-work-real-results/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=SlashGear |language=en-US}} OpenAI's official AI detection tool, Classifier, launched in January 2023, and was later taken down in August 2023 due to low usage and accuracy issues.{{Cite web |last=Goodwin |first=Danny |date=July 26, 2023 |title=OpenAI's AI Text Classifier no longer available due to 'low rate of accuracy' |url=https://searchengineland.com/openai-ai-classifier-no-longer-available-429912 |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=Search Engine Land |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=David |first=Emilia |date=July 25, 2023 |title=OpenAI can't tell if something was written by AI after all |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/25/23807487/openai-ai-generated-low-accuracy |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=The Verge |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Elkhatat |first=Ahmed M. |date=January 1, 2023 |title=Evaluating the efficacy of AI content detection tools in differentiating between human and AI-generated text. |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=eue&AN=171308989&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=geo1 |url-access=registration |website=EBSCO}}

To combat false accusations of academic dishonesty, AI detection creators and educators recommend not relying solely on these tools.{{Cite web |last=Coffey |first=Lauren |title=Professors Cautious of Tools to Detect AI-Generated Writing |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/artificial-intelligence/2024/02/09/professors-proceed-caution-using-ai |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Inside Higher Ed |language=en}} Educators should clearly state their policies on what qualifies as AI-usage and learn more about AI tools themselves.{{Cite web |last=Gillham |first=Jonathan |title=Why AI Detection Alone Shouldn't Be Used To Establish Academic Standing |url=https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/01/24/why-ai-detection-alone-shouldnt-be-used-to-establish-academic-standing/ |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Forbes |language=en}}

• AI in education
• Educational technology

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• [https://openai.com/chatgpt/education/ ChatGPT Education | OpenAI]

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Education

Category:Educational software