The Fair Grove School District staff had a meeting to discuss Fair Grove School’s AI policies. This led to the Fair Grove Tech Department blocking ChatGPT on student’s school chromebooks.
Fair Grove Schools Curriculum Director, Chalise Shockley, was the head of the committee that suggested the ban of ChatGPT. She stated, “I consult our team and then build their feedback into policy procedures that are then approved by the school board.”
Paul Thomas is a tech worker at Fair Grove and a defensive coordinator for the Fair Grove Football Team. He mentioned, “I worked with teachers and district leaders to make a decision that supported fairness and learning.”
As an AI website, ChatGPT has many uses for students, and teachers. Shockley said, “Banning ChatGPT could cause students to secretly use tools in an unethical way.”
There are positives with the ban on ChatGPT. Thomas explained, “It allowed the school to focus on authentic student work.”
There are other positives from banning ChatGPT, according to Shockley. She said, “It gives our AI task force time to develop protocol, and guidelines for thoughtful use.” She added, “It also gives teachers the autonomy to decide what is an appropriate use for their specific content area and grade level.”
On the contrary, there are negatives to the ban of ChatGPT. Thomas explained, “Students lost access to a helpful learning tool.”
Thomas mentioned, “I will continue to review how AI can be used responsibly in schools.”
