Viral ChatGPT Chatbot sparks debate over online cheating

CALIFORNIA: The viral ChatGPT chatbot might be smart enough to generate answers to prestigious graduate-level examinations in the United States, although not with high marks, but it has raised fears that students will outsource their learning to artificial intelligence.

Launched two months ago, the chatbot was developed by American AI research firm OpenAI. It can generate text that mimics human-like conversations based on simple user prompts.

Some educators have warned that it could lead to cheating and even change traditional classroom teaching methods because of the results.

Now a new battle is being fought over whether ChatGPT will be a powerful learning tool or an aid that prevents students from learning how to write or even think for themselves.

Some teachers have banned chatbots from their classrooms, but others see the benefits of incorporating AI technology into their teaching.

I think we're looking at something like when Google became this amazing search engine that appeared on the landscape. It has changed how we engage with the Internet, said Dr Victor Lee, associate professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Education.

Many students of all ages claim that the chatbot's writing is their own because of the fact that ChatGPT can crank out well-researched, well-written essays in a matter of seconds.

The reaction from some corners of the education sector has been swift.

There are schools in New York City, Los Angeles and Seattle that have already banned ChatGPT from their networks or devices.

A new app developed by Princeton University student that attempts to detect ChatGPT was downloaded 30,000 times in the first week.