ChatGPT is an AI chatbot developed by the company OpenAI. Launched in November 2022, ChatGPT has taken the world by storm with its ability to automatically generate text that’s nearly identical to an everyday person’s writing. Additionally, ChatGPT utilizes outside texts from the internet to fact check and accurately write numerous paragraphs on different topics from how to prepare the perfect meatloaf all the way to writing a college level paper analyzing Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”
In a statement on their website, OpenAI said, “Our mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.”
While the program has allowed for innovation and progression in the AI industry, students across the country realized the untapped potential of ChatGPT. Throughout late 2022, students across the world took to ChatGPT’s website to help with homework, but some students took it a step further by asking the AI to write entire papers for them. Furthermore, articles written by the AI were entirely plagiarism free, so teachers were oblivious to the cheating going on behind the scenes.
“If they’re not using it in their classes, they can use it at home and they can use it on their personal devices,” said Adam Phyall, an education technology expert and director of professional learning and leadership from All4Ed.
In early January, New York City Public Schools, the largest school district in the country, banned ChatGPt due to concerns over cheating.
Jenna Lyle, the deputy press secretary of the NYC Department of Education, said in a statement, “While the tool may be able to provide quick and easy answers to questions, it does not build critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for academic and lifelong success.”
Despite school administrators outright banning the program, some teachers and students find that it’s more helpful than harmful for student learning. A math teacher in New Orleans, Heather Brantly, uses ChatGPT to help her with teaching her students.
“I’m using ChatGPT to enhance all my lessons,” she said in an interview, “for teaching about surface area, the chatbot noted that sixth graders would see how the concept applies to real life when wrapping gifts or building a cardboard box.”
The AI platform has only existed for a short while, but it’s already shaken up the education industry. It allows students easier ways to cheat; however, it may give them better ways to learn as well. The future of the relationship between AI and education is still unclear, but perhaps recent events with ChatGPT give us a brief look into how people learn in the future.

When told to write about the recent environmental crisis in East Palestine, Ohio, the chatbot generated this news story:

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio has caused widespread disruption to the local community and raised concerns over the environmental risks involved. The train, carrying a variety of chemicals, including hazardous materials, derailed near the center of town, causing widespread damage to the surrounding area.
Local authorities have stated that there were no fatalities as a result of the derailment, but a number of injuries have been reported. Emergency services are on the scene, working to contain the damage and ensure that those affected are receiving the help they need.
One of the main concerns following the accident is the potential environmental impact. The train was carrying a number of chemicals, including some that are highly toxic and dangerous to the environment. Local officials have warned residents to stay away from the area and to take precautions to protect themselves from any potential dangers.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also been called in to assess the situation and provide guidance on the best course of action. The agency has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and working with local authorities to minimize the impact of the spill.
One of the chemicals involved in the accident is a highly toxic pesticide that could cause severe damage to local ecosystems and pose a serious risk to human health. The EPA has warned that the spill could have a significant impact on local waterways and wildlife, as well as potentially contaminating nearby crops and other agricultural products.
Local politicians and environmental activists have expressed their concerns about the potential impact of the derailment on the surrounding area. Representative Marcy Kaptur, who represents Ohio’s 9th congressional district, stated that “The safety of our communities and the protection of our environment must be our top priority in the aftermath of this devastating derailment.”
Environmental activist Bill McKibben echoed these concerns, stating that “This accident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by our reliance on fossil fuels and other dangerous chemicals. We need to take action now to shift to clean energy sources and reduce our dependence on these dangerous substances.”
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the impact of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio will be felt for some time. The focus now must be on containing the damage and minimizing the environmental risks posed by the chemicals involved. Local residents will need support and assistance in the coming days and weeks as they come to terms with the aftermath of this disaster.