Experts Urge Regulation of ChatGPT in Education

ISLAMABAD: In every field, technology is poised to be a game-changer in the future, but addressing the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT calls for the formulation of comprehensive AI rules, said tech mavens.

Experts stress the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to establish guidelines that promote responsible usage and aid learners in honing their abilities within educational institutions.

Recent trends indicate a concerning rise in students resorting to ChatGPT for academic dishonesty, bypassing traditional research methods and plagiarising content for assignments. While ChatGPT is designed to aid learning, experts caution against its misuse, stressing the critical importance of thoughtful and disciplined usage.

They have stressed that ChatGPT is intended to support and enrich learning, rather than encourage laziness. Its impact on youths hinges on their usage—while it can foster creativity and productivity, unchecked reliance may result in passivity. Encouraging thoughtful and disciplined utilisation is essential. Educators, parents, and learners bear the responsibility to promote active engagement and learning, steering clear of fostering passivity or dependency.

Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), President and CEO, Tufail Ahmed Khan stressed the need for educational institutions to update their assessment methods to mitigate the misuse of ChatGPT. He points out that traditional assignment copying predates ChatGPT and other alternatives like Google have always existed. Khan advocated for emphasising critical thinking and personalised tasks to evaluate student capabilities effectively and deter reliance on AI for assignments. Moreover, he underscored the importance of establishing ethical guidelines and legal frameworks to govern ChatGPT’s application, focusing on promoting societal benefits while preventing harm. Recognising AI’s potential for job creation, Khan suggested that guidelines should strike a balance between technological advancement and responsible use, drawing insights from global practices to ensure that AI tools like ChatGPT enhance productivity without compromising ethics.

He highlighted that ChatGPT has the potential to foster creativity and innovation by facilitating brainstorming and enhancing conceptual understanding. It acts as a tool for learners to delve into ideas and refine original thoughts, enabling a deeper engagement with content. Utilising ChatGPT as a starting point enables learners to broaden their creative horizons and devise unique solutions.

SI Global Solutions, CEO, Noman Said suggested that educational institutions can combat ChatGPT misuse by equipping teachers with AI literacy. This entails understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations, deploying AI monitoring tools, and crafting assignments that promote originality and creativity. He highlighted that effective AI regulation requires collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including the government, technology experts, educators, and the public. Clear guidelines should prioritise ethical use, data privacy, and equitable access to ensure AI serves society’s broader interests while protecting individual rights.

He noted that ChatGPT can foster creativity as a collaborative tool, challenging learners to question and build upon the information provided. Encouraging exploration, critical analysis, and the pursuit of unique ideas facilitates the development of innovative thinking skills beyond memorised responses.