ChatGPT allowed in Australian schools?

Government framework aims to enhance education, but experts caution on widening learning gap

This year, ChatGPT is officially being introduced in all Australian schools, supported by the endorsement of an AI usage framework by education ministers. Since its late 2022 release, the education sector has wrestled with responses to the chatbot, ranging from considering it a learning tool to implementing complete bans or reverting to traditional pen-and-paper exams. With its firm establishment, here’s what you need to understand about navigating schools in the era of AI.

What’s in the framework?

The framework, unveiled in December, delineates principles for integrating emergent technologies, addressing privacy and security standards, as well as equity and accessibility. Developed by the national AI schools taskforce, in collaboration with school sectors, education unions, experts, and First Nations Australians.

As part of the requirements, schools must educate students on the functionality of generative AI tools, encompassing their “potential limitations and biases,” with teachers designated as “subject-matter experts” in the classroom.

Student work, including assessments, must articulate guidelines on the use of generative AI tools, ensuring proper attribution.

The framework also acknowledges the potential of AI to assist students with disabilities, those from diverse backgrounds, and in rural or remote communities, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and equity.

How has Australia responded to ChatGPT?

Last year, all states and territories, with the exception of South Australia, implemented temporary restrictions on ChatGPT in public schools. Concerns about privacy and plagiarism prompted these measures, although some private schools incorporated it into their teaching and services.

Subsequently, the education minister, Jason Clare, initiated an inquiry into the use of generative artificial intelligence. This inquiry aims to examine the opportunities and risks posed to students and teachers.

Who is leading the way?

South Australia stands out nationally by choosing not to ban ChatGPT upon its release. Blair Boyer, the minister for education, training, and skills, emphasized that schools would be doing a significant disservice to young people if they didn’t educate them about the proper use of AI, as it will inevitably be a part of their future work and lives.

Following ChatGPT’s release, the South Australia Department of Education created EdChat, a generative AI chatbot app using the same language model as ChatGPT but with built-in safeguards to protect students’ privacy and prevent inappropriate content. Unlike ChatGPT, EdChat doesn’t store students’ input or use it for learning purposes.

Currently undergoing testing in 16 public schools, EdChat is instrumental in shaping how AI will be integrated into the state’s curriculum and has contributed to the development of Australia’s overarching framework.

Are other states and territories on board?

Queensland conducted a small trial in state high schools, introducing an AI teaching and learning tool named Cerego to 500 students. This adaptive learning platform utilizes AI to create quiz-based learning tailored to individual students’ needs. The platform is set to be implemented across all state schools later in 2024.

Victoria was among the first regions to lift its restriction on accessing ChatGPT, eliminating it in term two of the previous year. According to a spokesperson for the state’s Department of Education, any incorporation of AI into the curriculum will be determined by schools within the overarching principles of safe and ethical use.

Tasmania is actively formulating its own policy, procedures, and materials for the 2024 school year, recognizing the latest version of the Australian curriculum includes provisions for integrating the teaching of AI.

In Western Australia, considerations are underway for AI trials, drawing insights from experiences in other states. The aim is to streamline lesson planning, marking, assessment developments, and reduce teacher workloads.