The truth of how much students rely on ChatGPT and Grammarly will soon be uncovered. After so long of it being threatened, ChatGPT and Grammarly have finally been banned. 

“In clarity, everyone is aware that chatbots can be used in very positive ways like finding recipes or finding jobs, but also there are negative ways to use it like having it write an English paper for you. Our goal while you are here at school is to start learning connections, also while using our resources positively and being responsible, so know the correct ways to use it. Within the school setting, we want you to be focused on your teacher to get an authentic learning experience, so we blocked it within the building, and, hopefully, if someone needs to use it outside of school, they can use it for other needs that don’t interfere with their authentic school work,” Assistant Principal Robin Witty said.

There have been mixed emotions about the ban. 

“I was kind of sad to hear about the ban of ChatGPT because I think it is a useful resource for students, but I understand that most people did not use it the right way, and unfortunately, a few kids ruined it for everyone,” junior Ava Key said. 

Teachers have preached about the correct way to use these AI advancements, but did students actually listen?

“The right way to use ChatGPT is to ask for helpful studying tips or ideas for things rather than using it to complete things for you,” Key said. 

Students are not the only ones in the building with an opinion about the ban. 

“I do understand that ChatGPT can be used as a tool, but my concern is that kids rely on it too much instead of thinking for themselves. The issue with that is using it to complete your homework rather than taking the test and you have no clue and end up failing. Even in the future, students who rely on AI lack critical thinking skills that they will need in the future. So my biggest worry about the use of AI is that it reduces students’ ability to create their own thoughts or have complex thinking instead of just regurgitating whatever the computer is telling them,” Science teacher, Melisa Burger said. 

There is a correct and incorrect way to use it. 

“There are a number of ways to use AI correctly. A few examples may include using AI for brainstorming or lesson reinforcement in the ways of creating study guides and reviews from previously gathered notes and sources. Using it correctly is a goal, but making sure it is being used in a responsible way to enhance the learning process is really what we are looking for,” Technology Director, Brian Trivett said. 

Students have always been aware of the consequences of cheating. 

“It kind of sucks because you cannot use it anymore, but I understand because I obviously use it to cheat. I think it might be a little pointless because there are other things out there to use so if someone really wants to cheat, then they are going to find ways to cheat so if they are going to ban ChatGPT then might as well ban everything else,” sophomore Cooper Cridlin said. 

There are different sides of opinions, though.

“This decision will definitely help the school and the education of students so they can start learning better and not depend on the internet as much as we do but I think it will be a negative for the kids because they will be upset. In reality, it’s probably good for them and their education because most people do not use it correctly,” junior Antonio Aguilar said. 

There is not a lot of confidence that ChatGPT is going to make a comeback.

“ I do not think there is really a correct way to use it in a school setting besides maybe checking with your teacher first. Within the school, we want students to grow so I can see it being used outside of school in personal lives like for example, job openings in Indy, careers in a specific field, or random questions. The main reason we blocked it within the building is so that all the work you do is coming from you and brings out your full potential because there is something about the struggle about sitting in class and using your critical thinking skills more. So, I would say that I stand on the fact that it is used more positively outside of school,” Mrs. Witty said. 

This decision was not solely the admin in High School, the Greenwood school’s admin building also had a part. 

“We are still developing policies and guidance around what AI looks like in Greenwood. It is a rapidly evolving landscape that schools in general are working to best understand and utilize, including us,” Trivett said.