The University of Chicago has issued a ban on first-year law students using phones, tablets, and laptops in class. This move aims to ensure students learn to think critically, strategically, and independently without relying on artificial intelligence (AI).

Background

According to school administrators, the ban is part of a broader effort to combat the use of AI in the classroom. The university has been working to determine the best way to adopt AI within their curriculum and campus policies, seeking feedback from the community, students, faculty, law firm leaders, and legal technology executives.

The feedback received has been consistent: the need to ensure students learn to think critically and independently without relying on AI, while also preparing them to use AI tools in legal practice. The school has launched a strategic vision that encompasses three themes: developing AI-resilient pedagogy and assessment, promoting essential human skills that distinguish excellent lawyers, and teaching responsible, effective, and ethical use of AI.

Implementation

Under the new strategy, first-year law students will be barred from utilizing electronic devices in the classroom, and professors will designate classroom scribes to take notes for the group. Professors can determine when electronic devices can be used for specific tech-enabled activities, such as in-class polling.

Students will be required to conduct legal research and writing assignments while using AI as a tool, but cannot use the technology to write the materials for them. Any use of AI to complete assignments will be reviewed by faculty, and the school will offer upper-level elective courses specializing in the adoption of AI in the legal field and the adaptation of AI tools for work in the legal field.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.