Since its release in late 2022, ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbot that can provide a detailed response to a typed prompt, has gotten a lot of attention. As noted in a recent Chronicle of Higher Education article, some educators believe it could be a valuable tool for those with disabilities. It could help them more easily summarize information, manage their time, or develop prompts to help stimulate discussion for a group project.

Yet, other educational experts are concerned that ChatGPT is just a glorified plagiarism tool. Many schools and universities are banning its use outright – and are subjecting students who use it to the same penalties they would receive for cheating. Such consequences could include a failing grade – or even, in more extreme cases, a school suspension or expulsion.

Students with disabilities benefit when they can leverage different tools and strategies to mitigate any issues that may get in the way of learning. Many students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, or mobility issues are already using a variety of online systems to help them. So why is ChatGPT causing so much concern?

Questions and Answers

ChatGPT, as well as Elicit, an AI-based chatbot that is designed for research purposes, is fairly simple to use. You type in a prompt, and the model scours its training data set to summarize an answer. While students can use such a prompt to ask to summarize key information to help frame the introduction of an essay, it can also be used to write the entire essay. Therein lies the problem.

That said, ChatGPT is a tool. And, like any other tool, what matters most is how it's used. Given the potential benefits, it could be a huge boon for students with both physical and intellectual disabilities. And, as the tool continues to evolve, it's likely that its capabilities will only grow and become more accurate.

Students with disabilities should have access to different tools and strategies to help them work up to their full potential. But what happens if the use of ChatGPT results in an allegation of cheating, plagiarism, or other misuse?

Your Education – and Your Rights

If your student has been accused of cheating for using ChatGPT to assist with schoolwork, you are likely angry and frustrated – and maybe even a little confused about what this tool is, what it can do, and why your student's school or teacher has banned its use.

You need an experienced attorney-advocate who understands the law – and the promise that these new applications bring to the educational realm. Joseph D. Lento and the Student Discipline Defense Team are well-versed in educational issues and Code of Conduct concerns. They can help you and your student navigate any allegations involving ChatGPT – and come to a reasonable resolution.

The Lento Law Firm stands ready to protect your student's rights – and ensure they can use any and all available tools that help them achieve a free appropriate public education (FAPE). They will help you build a strong defense against any allegations – and work with you to ensure your educational future is preserved. Call the Lento Law Firm today at (888) 535-3686 to discuss your case today.