Homeschool Parents Are Planning Lessons With ChatGPT

As homeschooling becomes increasingly popular, some parents are turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT to assist in crafting their children's educational plans. In a viral video, influencers Cole and Savannah LaBrant demonstrated their approach to teaching their five children, highlighting their "vibes-based" style. Savannah admitted that she occasionally uses ChatGPT to help her with subjects like history and geography, stating that Cole usually takes the lead in history lessons once a week.

This approach is not uncommon, as homeschool curriculums are typically flexible in the United States, with minimal regulations. However, the LaBrants' candid admission about using AI while acknowledging their own limitations raises concerns about the quality and rigor of the education being provided. The LaBrants' curriculum seems to lack structure and consistency, with their history lessons dependent on Cole's personal knowledge and relevance.

While homeschooling can be effective when done correctly, this casual approach may not ensure the comprehensive education that children need. Moreover, the ease with which AI chatbots can generate educational content without any oversight exacerbates the issue. A test of ChatGPT in generating a homeschooling curriculum for a third-grade student in Michigan yielded a creationist perspective with biblical references and young-earth science.

This lack of safeguards creates a worrying scenario for the estimated 3.75 million K-12 homeschooled children in the United States.