Dive Brief:
- A large majority of teachers (84%) who have used ChatGPT said the artificial intelligence technology has positively impacted their classes, according to survey results released Tuesday by the Walton Family Foundation and Impact Research, a public opinion research and consulting firm.
- Survey results also found teachers' use of ChatGPT for instruction is increasing. The poll, conducted June 23-July 6, found 63% of teachers using the technology, up from 50% in February. Student participation is lower, but also increased in that time frame, from 33% to 42%.
- In response to the growing use of AI, Common Sense Media announced Monday it plans to develop an in-depth AI ratings and reviews system. That effort will assess AI products used by children and educators on responsible AI practices and other factors.
Dive Insight:
ChatGPT, which launched in late 2022, has drawn everything from skepticism to curiosity to adoption in the education field. Some districts have blocked ChatGPT and other AI-powered tools, while others are leaning into exploring how the technology can improve education workplace practices.
As interest and use intensifies, many education professionals are searching for guidance and credible sources of information on ways to safely and effectively incorporate AI.
Parents are also eager for reliable resources. The Walton Family Foundation/Impact Research poll found after surveying parents, teachers, students and voters separately that more than half in each group view ChatGPT favorably. Parents voiced the strongest support, at 61%, and voters overall the least, at 43%. Between 802 and 1,002 participants from each group responded to the survey.
About a quarter of parents said schools should encourage the educational use of ChatGPT, while 40% of teachers said they used the technology at least once a week.
In a separate survey conducted with Impact Research, Common Sense Media said 77% of parents supported AI-powered tools that help their children learn. Only 40%, however, said they had a reliable source of information to vet AI's appropriateness for kids.
Common Sense Media said that its forthcoming AI ratings and reviews system will provide transparency and inform new legislative and regulatory efforts aimed at online safety. Common Sense Media is a nonprofit group that provides media recommendations to children, parents and educators,
"We must act now to ensure that parents, educators, and young people are informed about the perils and possibilities of AI and products like ChatGPT," said James Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, in a statement.
