Should we bring machine learning into mainstream teaching?

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has asked computing teachers for their thoughts on the rise of generative Artificial Intelligence

More than half of computing teachers think schools are unprepared for the impact that generative AI chatbot ChatGPT could have on learning, research has found.

However, computing teachers want support to harness its potential rather than banning it, according to the industry body for IT.

ChatGPT is a form of generative AI, which has come to prominence in recent months after a version of it was released to the public last year.

The chatbot is able to respond to questions in a human-like manner and understand the context of follow-up queries much like in human conversations, as well as being able to compose essays if asked – sparking fears it could be used by students to complete assignments.

Tech giants Microsoft and Google have both announced they are adding the technology to their respective search engines as a way of evolving how online searches are carried out.

Assuming these generative AI programmes remain freely accessible, teenagers are going to use them to answer homework assignments – just like adults will come to rely on them at work.

Calculators used to be banned from exams but are now mandatory. We need to bring machine learning into mainstream teaching practice, otherwise children will be using AI for homework unsupervised without understanding what it’s telling them.

Another danger is that the digital divide is only going to get wider if better-off parents can pay for premium services from chatbots – and get better answers.

What are your thoughts? Do you think artificial intelligence should be used in schools?