Top US university expands AI and electronic device bans to protect independent thinking

The University of Chicago has recently expanded its bans on AI and electronic devices to foster independent thinking among students. Beginning in the autumn quarter of 2023, students are now required to read physical books and attend in-person discussions without laptops, phones, smartwatches, or wearable devices that can record.

The university also prohibits the use of AI in completing assignments, except for specific tasks approved by instructors. This new policy aims to enhance students' reading, writing, and analytical skills without relying on AI assistance.

The restrictions were introduced to cultivate ethical, skeptical, and ambitious students who can responsibly utilize AI in their education and professional lives. University President Paul Alivisatos emphasized that students should learn to think both with and without machines. The law school at the university, which introduced its own AI restrictions in July, plans to adopt a more flexible approach to AI in higher-level courses while maintaining a focus on learning over speed during introductory courses.

Professors are also restricted from using large language models for grading unless they have undergone a thorough assessment and disclosed their use to students. While the university has partnered with AI company Anthropic to provide access to its Claude tools for faculty, staff, and students, the implementation has been met with mixed reactions.

Some educators have redesigned assessments to incorporate in-class writing or oral examinations, while others continue to permit AI for certain assignments. The lack of a uniform AI policy across all courses may create confusion for students regarding what constitutes misconduct in different classes.