From coast to coast, AI is getting a failing grade this academic year. Days after New York City announced a one-year moratorium on AI tools for students through 8th grade, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) said students will be barred from using AI tools on district-provided devices this academic year.
While NYC’s ban leaves some room for high school students to explore the tech with vetted programs, LAUSD seems to have shut off access completely. Students will be able to see Google’s AI summaries on top of search results, but they won’t be able to interact with the AI tool any further, The New York Times reports.
The move comes as part of the district’s broader effort to reduce student screen time. Earlier this year, LAUSD banned digital devices for young kids and enforced strict screen limits for others.
Some board members were reportedly surprised when the decision was announced at Wednesday’s committee meeting. The ban is temporary, and the committee will make recommendations on AI policy at the end of the school year, an LAUSD spokesperson tells Bloomberg.
At both LA and NYC public schools, teachers will be allowed to use AI tools. And students can use AI chatbots on personal devices, so it remains to be seen how effective this will be.
The bans arrive amid concerns that a growing number of students are using AI for homework and bypassing the learning process. AI tools are also notorious for providing inaccurate information and entertaining inappropriate conversations.
PCMag and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.